Gallaudet University has reinstated its
chief diversity officer, Angela McCaskill, who was suspended for
three months after she signed a petition seeking to repeal Maryland's
gay marriage law.
President T. Alan Hurwitz on Monday
announced the reinstatement in a brief email which did not give a
reason for the action.
“This has been a period of reflection
for all of us,” Hurwitz wrote in his correspondence to students,
faculty and staff. “I am deeply appreciative of the time you have
taken to communicate your views, of the clearly heartfelt manner in
which you have expressed those thoughts, and of the overall maturity
you have shown in your willingness to consider the differing views
others may hold.”
“The work of the university's Office
of Diversity and Inclusion is vital and must continue in an active
and vibrant way. I personally look forward to working with Dr.
McCaskill on the work of that office,” he added.
McCaskill was put on paid leave after
school officials learned that she was a signatory to the petition
which put a failed referendum seeking to repeal the law on the
November ballot.
McCaskill said at a press conference
that she signed the petition because she believes in democracy.
“I thought it was important that as a
citizen of the state of Maryland I could exercise my right to
participate in the political process,” McCaskill said. “I am
pro-democracy.”
McCaskill's attorney previously said
that her client has never publicly taken a stance on marriage
equality and that McCaskill is not anti-gay.