Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, + (LGBTQ+) Faculty & Staff Association

TU was the first university in Maryland to recognize LGBTQ Studies as a legitimate academic field. Pursue this interdisciplinary minor in LGBTQ Studies to learn more about the history, politics, psychology and culture of the LGBTQ community and its development.

The Sexuality & Gender Diversity Development Program strives to create an inclusive and educated campus community where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, etc. (LGBTQ+) and all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and sex are welcomed, supported, valued and engaged.

The Organization shall operate under the name of Towson University (“University”) LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association (“LGBTQ+FSA”).

The mission of the LGBTQ+FSA strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all LGBTQ members of the University community. We program social events, informational sessions on matters of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as support programs of the Center for Student Diversity.

The mission of the Association is guided by these objectives:

• to advocate for the needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff
  
• to promote solidarity among University LGBTQ+ faculty and staff
  
• to serve as a liaison between University administration and LGBTQ+ faculty and staff
  
• to facilitate the personal and professional growth of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff
  
• to support the University’s commitment to diversity to recruit and retain LGBTQ+ faculty and staff
  
• to collaborate with other cultural/civic/ethnic organizations within the University to promote common activities
  

1. membership is open to current faculty and staff who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or transgender and those who support the mission of the LGBTQ+FSA
   
2. membership is indicated by joining the LGBTQ+FSA group
   
3. all members shall have a vote and all votes shall be equal (one member-one vote).
   
4. regular meetings shall take place bi-monthly (September, November, February, April), the Co-Chairs may call additional meetings as needed
   

The officers of the LGBTQ+FSA shall consist of:

• faculty Co-chair
  
• staff Co-chair
  

Officers must be full-time faculty or staff members of the Univeristy in accordance to Article IV.1

1. election Nominations for the officer positions can be made by any member including self-nominations
   1. election may take place at a meeting of the LGBTQ+FSA or be conducted electronically
   2. the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist will open the nomination process one month prior to the end of the term of office of the LGBTQ+FSA current officers
      1. a one week period will be allowed for the nomination process and another week for the acceptance of the nomination
      2. the election will be administered by the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
2. officers shall serve a two-year term of office with a maximum of two consecutive terms
3. any conduct or action by an officer that is deemed unprofessional or damaging to this LGBTQ+FSA may also be considered for removal
   

• Faculty Co-Chair
  
• Staff Co Chair
  

The faculty and staff co-chairs will coordinate general meetings and formulate the agenda.

• co-chairs shall co-sign all official documents
  
• co-chairs will be responsible for the distribution of all official documents, including an annual progress report
  
• co-chairs will take the lead in planning programs and activities consistent with the mission of the LGBTQ+FSA
  

1. all votes will be by simple majority
2. proxy votes will be accepted only for elections and items that have been announced in the agenda
3. regular elections will take place every two years

Any member can propose amendments to alter or repeal these bylaws. Adoption of proposed changes to the LGBTQ+FSA bylaws must be approved by a majority of the current LGBTQ+FSA membership. Votes may take place during LGBTQ+FSA meeting or may be conducted electronically.