A Message from President Gregory Woodward
Dear Members of the UHart Community,
Since the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Care Organization, many of us have been engaged in thought and discussion about the impact of this decision. While the full effect is still unfolding and will be for some time, it will bring profound changes to our society, regardless of where one resides.
As an institution of higher education, our mission is to educate students so that they may realize their full potential and be well-equipped to contribute to the major issues confronting our nation and the world. In this, we are guided by our University values statement that reinforces our commitment to each other as individuals and as an academic community.
As we prepare for the upcoming semester, several organizations and groups on campus are actively planning opportunities for engagement and dialogue on this highly sensitive topic and controversial ruling. These conversations are hard, the information and opinions are vast, and it is our privilege to be at a place where people can safely and respectfully debate, learn, grow, and share.
I have asked the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) to explore the implications this decision may have for our students, faculty, and staff. We support every individual's right to control one’s body and personal health care decisions, including reproductive health care, and are grateful these rights remain safe and legal in Connecticut. It is our responsibility to work together with others on campus to ensure that we remain a community committed to gender equity in all forms.
If you have thoughts to share or want to engage with PCSW, please email myself or Associate Professor and PCSW Chair Jane Horvath at horvath@hartford.edu to connect to the committee.