College of Natural Science 'diversity' group at MSU: 'No science is needed to support transgender and non-binary identities'

A diversity group within the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University told students that "no science is needed to support transgender and non-binary identities" and that such support "is simply a matter of affirming their experiences," Campus Reform reported, citing an email the outlet said it obtained.

The NatSci Council on Diversity and Community penned the email titled, "Increasing transgender visibility on campus," the outlet added. The NatSci Council falls under MSU's College of Natural Science.

The email asked students to "reflect on how visibility of minoritized groups is essential to changing our campus culture," Campus Reform said, and suggested a number of online resources to help in that regard.

More from the outlet:

These included links to LGBT resource centers, how to " learn about and start using the singular they," a resource on hosting queer inclusive workshops, one dedicated to inviting "transgender and gender-diverse scientists," guides on transphobia, and more.

Clicking on the pronoun link brings up a colorful and interactive web page titled "I [love] the singular they," which maps out benefits and tools to using the pronoun to refer to a person. The page argues that the singular "they" is "neutral," "easy," "inclusive," and "classy."

What else does the pronoun site say?

"Writing with non-gender-neutral pronouns is a serious pain," the pronoun site says. "Some prefer the Frankenword 's/he,' while others rack their brain. Some stick with a particular pronoun for one paragraph or chapter, then swap out the one they're using; others alternate 'he' and 'she' by sentence, or use a plural adapter, but that all sounds confusing."

The site adds that "'they' doesn't assume a person's gender, and it doesn't assume there are only two" and that it's "inclusive of people of all different genders."

What did natural science students have to say?

Ashley Deaton, a food science and microbiology student, told Campus Reform that the email is "dangerous" as it reflects "a single mentality that actually isn't as straightforward as people may believe."

MSU physiology student Shad Soldano told the outlet he sees things differently, saying he believes the email stands for "a good cause in bringing awareness and hopefully eliminating remaining prejudices toward the transgender community."

What did the College of Natural Science have to say?

Campus Reform said it didn't immediately hear back from Shelby Gombosi, the MSU administrative assistant who sent the email. MSU on Tuesday didn't immediately reply to TheBlaze's request for comment on the email Campus Reform said it obtained.