From Values to Action: Our Ongoing Commitment

In response to the deepening inequities across our society—even as we live in an era that has seen meaningful strides toward equality, the Gender Studies program at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University commits itself to dismantling harmful systems and replacing them with life-nourishing alternatives.

The Gender Studies program acknowledges the historical and ongoing impact of cisheteronormative Christian patriarchy, racism and white supremacy, colonialism, and capitalism. These systems have been deeply embedded into the social, economic, cultural, and political structures of the United States. We recognize that these forces continue to shape institutions and policies in ways that profoundly affect the lives and well-being of our community members, especially those who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. These systems often create instability, fear, and exclusion, posing significant barriers to safety, equity, and belonging.

We affirm the right to bodily autonomy and personal agency for all people and recognize that threats to these rights are compounded by intersecting forms of inequality, including those based on race, ability, socio-economic status, sexuality, gender identity, religion, and more. We strive to support and empower students facing various forms of systemic harm and exclusion, understanding that _— as educators _— we hold a responsibility to cultivate spaces of safety, especially in times of heightened vulnerability for marginalized groups.

Our program is committed to advancing social justice, equity, and human rights across intersecting identities and experiences, embedding these values into our personal lives, scholarship, and teaching practices. We recognize that dismantling systems of oppression is both a shared social responsibility and also a personal journey _— one that demands ongoing reflection, learning, and action. Though often uncomfortable, this process is essential for creating conditions where justice, healing, and resilience can flourish.

As Gender Studies educators, we strive to foster a learning environment where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue justice. We invite students, colleagues, and community members to join us in building a society that is inclusive, resilient, and actively engaged in addressing systemic challenges.

~ The Gender Studies Steering Committee