As of October 30, 2024, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine is a signatory of the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR). The College joins twelve other veterinary schools and 285 organizations in signing.

The GIBOR was created by Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC), a veterinary organization that advocates for the inclusion and acceptance of people of LGBTQIA+ identities in the veterinary field.

“It’s great to see the College sign the GIBOR. It means a lot to us as students entering the veterinary world to know with full certainty our college has our backs. We’re hoping to see more schools and organizations sign on to show the field is supporting the diverse voices within it,” says Hope Hudak, second-year DVM student and president-elect of the MSU student chapter of PrideVMC.

The document affirms the rights, freedoms, and protections of gender diverse people—whether they are transgender, non-binary, or otherwise—and reaffirms the commitment to uphold these rights in the veterinary sphere.

“We want our students, staff, faculty, and clients to know they are all valued here, and we are committed to protecting their rights. Fostering inclusivity in the health sciences is essential for building strong, innovative teams that advance both animal and human health,” says Dr. Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College.