Faculty & Staff

The purpose and goal of this group is to create a network of support and community for LGBTQIA+ individuals at Butler. We coordinate social events that facilitate supportive relationships, which make possible (in no particular order): mentorship, solidarity, showcasing member contributions to Butler and beyond, and the sharing of professional and pedagogical development opportunities.

To join, please email Lav McKittrick-Sweitzer (they/them) at lmckittricksweit@butler.edu.

“Butler University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the student body and our faculty and staff. In addition, hiring and other employment-related decisions are made on the basis of an individual’s qualifications, past experience, overall performance, and other employment-related criteria. It is the policy of the University to provide equal opportunities for employment and advancement for all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, religion, color, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.

Any employee of the University who believes that he/she has been a victim of some form of discrimination in violation of the above policy should report the incident immediately to his or her supervisor and to the Director of Human Resources. A faculty member should also make a report regarding the matter to the Dean of his/her college.

Persons submitting complaints of discrimination are assured that a thorough investigation of such complaints will be conducted. Information collected during such an investigation will be considered confidential and will not be disclosed to persons not involved directly in conducting the investigation and determining what action, if any, to take in response to the complaint. No adverse action will be taken against any employee because he or she reports an incident of discrimination unless it is found that the report was made in bad faith.

If, following a complaint of discrimination, an investigation reveals that some act of discrimination has occurred; the person who has violated the above-described prohibition of discrimination will be subject to sanctions or penalties. The sanction or penalty administered under this policy will depend on all circumstances, including the offending employee’s prior work record and the specifics regarding the nature of the violation. It should be understood that suspension and/or termination of employment may very well be the penalty administered to persons who violate this policy. If the offender is not an employee of the University, we will take reasonable measures to the extent we can exercise any control over the problem.

The University endorses its Equal Employment Opportunity policy, not just because it complies with the law, but because an environment that recognizes the value derived from differences in people is crucial to each employee’s ability to succeed—and to the University’s long-term success.”

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, is committed to fostering a vibrant academic community where freedom of speech and inclusion are fundamental principles that guide our collective endeavors. We believe that robust intellectual exchange, respectful dialogue, and diverse perspectives are essential to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. As such, we uphold the following principles:

Inclusion: We celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences within our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in our shared university life.  We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic means, marital or parental status, or political affiliation.  All members of our community have the right to work, study, and live in a nurturing environment, free from discrimination.

Freedom of expression: As we practice academic excellence, we recognize and uphold the need of every member of our community to freely express their ideas, opinions, and beliefs, with empathy.  This includes the freedom to engage in civil debate, peacefully protest, challenge prevailing ideas, and explore controversial or challenging subjects within the bounds of respectful discourse, University policy, and the law.

We uphold the principle of academic freedom, which ensures that faculty, students, and staff have the right to pursue teaching, learning, scholarship, research, and creative expression, without censorship or undue interference. 

With freedom comes responsibility. All members of the Butler community are to contribute to a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment, fostering thoughtful engagement with differing viewpoints, upholding community standards, and contributing to the university’s mission of advancing knowledge and promoting social justice.

Navigating Complexity: We are committed to learning from our differences through informed dialogue, and constructive engagement, while adhering to the central tenets of higher education: academic freedom and intellectual rigor.  Through education, programming, and community initiatives, we strive to cultivate a culture of mutual understanding, empathy, and open dialogue across differences. 

We encourage you to visit the Addressing Bias Incidents page to learn about our community standards, applicable policies and ways to report bias.

Butler extends the same benefits to same-sex spouses as they do to opposite-sex spouses.

Butler offers at least one health insurance plan to employees that covers the initiation and maintenance of hormone blockers and/or hormone replacement therapy, top surgery (mastectomy, chest reconstruction and breast augmentation), complete hysterectomy, and genital reconstruction and related procedures – as consistent with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care. These benefits extend to the employee’s spouse and dependents over 18 that are covered by the employee’s plan.

Butler also offers at least one health insurance plan to employees that covers ongoing counseling services, with the benefit extending to the employee’s spouse and dependents (not limited to those over 18).

You may complete this Name Change form to modify how your name appears on your ID, my.butler, and your email – even if it has not been legally changed.
Your legal name will continue to be reflected on your W-2 and health insurance.

A bias incident is an act or behavior motivated by the offender’s bias against facets of another’s identity. These facets may include, but are not limited to: race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, military status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. Bias occurs whether the act is intentional or unintentional. Bias may be directed toward an individual or group. Bias may contribute to creating an unsafe or unwelcoming environment.

All members of the community are encouraged to report incidents of bias they observe or experience.Disclosing the reporter’s identity is optional.