For Immediate Release:

“To all the rights of one person to be violated puts at risk the rights and liberties of all.”

These poignant words are etched into the foundation of the OU College of Law, reminding us that every day we must make a commitment to protecting those who need our advocate-voice. As the University of Oklahoma prepares to play Baylor University, all eyes turn to Waco, where the national spotlight will be centered on these two historic schools. As these two teams prepare to battle it out on the field, we are reminded of the battle going on behind closed doors.

Baylor remains the only school in the Big 12 Conference to deny equal rights and recognition to queer students. Further, Baylor is the only school in the all “Power 5” conferences to permit this treatment against the queer community. The pain experience by queer students on the Baylor campus cannot easily be summarized.

The time has come for us to unite in solidarity and denounce this dangerous policy.

Earlier this year, OUtlaw (OU Law’s queer advocacy group) began a grass-roots movement to join voices together across all campuses in the Big 12. It has become a common goal for students on every campus in the Big 12 Conference to let thousands of fans, students, and athletes know who we are. We ask that the Big 12 Conference devote resources to this conversation, and that it make a clear statement denouncing bigotry, racism, and intolerance.

Great rivalry must be paired with decency and community. We ask that the entire Sooner Nation join us in solidarity, supporting our friends at Baylor University. Show your pride in Waco this Saturday, as these two incredible institutions meet in primetime lights.

Respectfully, 

Trae Havens
Outlaw President
The University of Oklahoma College of Law