Georgetown is animated by a deep respect for the dignity of all people, and that respect extends unquestionably to members of our community who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming. We recognize that safety and dignity are not universally protected in this country and that some states–including Tennessee, the location of John Carroll Weekend 2022–have passed laws that undermine these principles as they relate to trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people.

We are closely following this legislation, which includes restrictions on school restroom use and sports participation by transgender children, as well as a law that affects restroom signage in businesses. The laws face legal challenges, and the public restroom signage law is currently under injunction and not being enforced.

Nashville city leaders have spoken out against the public restroom legislation, and the district attorney with jurisdiction over Nashville has pledged that he will not enforce it. We are working with our hosts and vendors to ensure that they are committed to the safety and well-being of all visitors to the city, regardless of their gender identity and expression.

With that in mind, we look forward to our time together in Nashville as an opportunity to renew our commitment to each other and to the moral imagination required to care for and assure the safety and well-being of all members of our community.