In June 2024, the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals issued a set of guidelines for serving and supporting trans and nonbinary students, faculty, and staff in higher education. Developed by a dedicated group of scholars and practitioners, this guidance aims to assist colleges and universities in providing services and support to this rapidly growing campus population. Join Spectrum Center director Jesse Beal and Dr. Sarah Simi Cohen, project manager and executive board member from the Consortium, for an interactive conversation about trans and nonbinary equity and inclusion.

ABOUT THE DISCUSSANTS
Dr. Sarah Simi Cohen (they/them), a scholar and advocate, is deeply committed to advancing educational equity and inclusion. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin, Sarah amplifies the voices of marginalized communities through community engagement and policy analysis. Dr. Cohen's research spotlights the experiences of historically disenfranchised students, particularly within LGBTQIA+ communities, addressing trauma, mental health, and policy implementation. Beyond academia, Dr. Cohen’s passion extends to consulting and nonprofit work, emphasizing educational equity and diversity. Their adaptability and commitment to meaningful work, centering queer and trans populations, underscore their dedication to positive change in higher education. As an advocate, researcher, and educator, Dr. Sarah Simi Cohen shapes inclusive educational landscapes, championing students' rights and well-being.

Jesse Beal is the director of Spectrum Center. They joined as associate director in November 2021 and were named the director in December 2022. Prior to arriving at the University of Michigan, Jesse served as the director of the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at Michigan State University. Jesse is an experienced student affairs practitioner, who brings over a decade of experience leading student-facing affinity-based resource centers at Amherst College, Brandeis University, Suffolk University, and MSU. They bring a demonstrated history of working towards equity and inclusion in higher education with a practice that is collaborative, student-centered, intersectional, and justice based. Jesse has been a social justice and LGBTQIA2S+ activist, educator, and consultant for the past fifteen years. They present regularly at national conferences and at many colleges, universities, and nonprofits. Jesse serves as the director of community and advocacy for the Consortium of Higher Education LGBTQ Resource Professionals, a member-based association working toward the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education. Jesse is also a PhD student in the Michigan State University Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program studying LGBTQIA2S+ populations in higher education. They possess a Master of Arts in women's and gender studies from Brandeis University and a Bachelor of Arts in women's and gender studies and government from the University of Texas at Austin. As the director, they provide campus-wide leadership on strategies to advance equity, and inclusion with regard to gender and sexuality. Jesse drives our strategic planning, sets unit goals, and oversees the operation of the center and our programs and services.

EVENT FORMAT
Hybrid