On August 11, 2016, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College, sent out a campus wide email that welcomed all faculty, staff, and students of Spelman College back to the Atlanta University Center. In this letter, Dr. Campbell gave an overview of the awards granted to this top performing liberal arts and historically black institution for the past year and described expectations for the present year and more. Dr. Campbell also mentioned the creation of two task force that are intended to benefit the social paradigm of Spelman College, which includes the admission of transgender students.

Many have voiced a deep concern for the decision to allow admitted transgender students at this highly noted traditional all-girls school in Atlanta, Georgia. Some believe that the new admission of transgender students will threaten the tradition of the school, possible funding, sports advantages, and even the admission rates/application processing of the college. While others, like myself, believe that there is truly no harm in creating an inclusive environment for all who identify as women and who have been surgically transitioned to live as female.

Tradition

I understand the concern for tradition that the school and fellow alumnae may uphold, but is tradition truly still a part of Spelman College? There are many "traditional" aspects of the school that have changed, such as the white-dress ceremony and the Morehouse-Spelman Brother/ Sister exchange, just to name a few. The white dress ceremony dates back to the early 1900s, and it consists of students wearing a white dress with flesh or neutral-toned hosiery and black, closedtoe shoes. Today, students are allowed to wear white pants instead of dresses if they deem the dress uncomfortable or displeasing to their choice of style or identity. The Morehouse-Spelman Brother/ Sister exchange also dates back to the early 1900s due to the unavoidable relationships and academic and social experiences both students of Morehouse and Spelman have had to endure. The exchange features students being paired up with a man of Morehouse randomly, yet strategically following the white dress ceremony. However, in today's time this traditional aspect has been threatened by administration, and students are no longer required to be in formal wear nor is the exchange held following the white dress ceremony.

If tradition was truly a concern, no exceptions will be made for anything or anyone. The reality is : Social movements of inclusivity and equality continue to rise and gain more attention in today’s time and the standards of living have also changed. Therefore, traditions will also have to change accordingly where they are best fit.For example, the white dress traditional clothing was chosen due to the lack of resources and availability to affordable clothing in the early 1900s, as stated in the Spelman College History and Traditions online catalog. However, that requirement gained points of exception once students began to declare their discomfort and as access to more fashion and money have risen. Then, the change in the exchange has occurred as an attempt to mandate sexual assault, that has gained media attention, occurring on campus or around campus among Men of Morehouse and Spelman women (which is definitely a deeper topic for another article).

Spelman College cannot allow every aspect of its earlier 19th and 20th century administration to withhold the school from thriving within the social ladder that now openly discusses the differences between gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, and biological sex. Plus, is tradition truly being threatened if these transgender women identify as women and live life as a woman? The “all-women” aspect of the college does not change one bit. Besides, Spelman College presently has students who may identify as other genders themselves. The only difference is that they can be verified as biological women on their birth certificates. So, should those who may identify as male or other be admitted at Morehouse College just because they don’t identify with the gender roles or expectations of a “Spelman woman”?

Examine this photo that briefly describes the difference between gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, and biological sex, according to ItsPronouncedMetroSexual.com.

Funding

Moreover, funding for this college should not be threatened just because the practice of true liberality is being exercised. What’s the point of being liberal if you’re only going to allow liberality to an extent that makes a particular group of people satisfied? Spelman’s funding is granted for its high performances across the broad, academically and socially, annually. That has nothing to do with the gender identity a Spelman woman may classify with. If those who have donated or donate to this institution decide to stop their gifts if the final decision is made, does that mean that they truly support Spelman College and the overall achievements of the students who attend this institution? Gender identity will not change the fact that the majority of students admitted into Spelman College represent the top 10% of their graduating high schools, their rate of intelligence, or community involvement.

Sports Advantages

Most people are unaware of Spelman’s changes in regards to sports. The institution no longer has sports team that compete with others. Instead, the program has been changed to the “Wellness Revolution” that features availability to a fully equipped wellness center and healthy tips for living and eating. Therefore, students will not be in competition or physically disadvantaged in any sports of Spelman College because there are simply no sports teams. The only two activities that typically feature Spelman women are the Morehouse College’s cheer team and the Morehouse College’s Mahogany N’ Motion (dance team for the band). Both are powered by Morehouse College’s administration and team. Therefore, Morehouse will have to take a position on gender inclusivity, if they see fit.

Admission

Spelman received over 4,000 applications in this past year for admission into the institution, and the number continues to fluctuate as the school continues to perform and grow on a global scale. I believe accepting applications from transgender prospective students will make this number rise and open a huge door for the college to truly “change the world”.

Overall, Spelman College is known as the top performing liberal arts school in the country, and there is truly no problem with producing an atmosphere that is gender inclusive. Transgender students will be safe at Spelman College and it will also allow the social paradigm to grow abundantly. Spelman women have been taught to be “free thinking” and daring to the social norms that have trapped women, especially black women, in history over and over again. Plus, it is our duty to make these conversations happen and to change the way the world views one another whenever and wherever a Spelman woman may enter and that is not deterred by her gender identity. Am I transgender or apart of the #LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Asexual/Aromantic) community? No. I am simply a human that believes in equality for all and pays close attention to social constructions, such as gender.

It's a choice to change the world, so let us change it. Be inclusive. - Ca'Teama Sanders