It is inherent to the discipline of Women's Studies to deal with complex subjects through theoretical lenses, which question conventional knowledge production. This department, one of the most distinguished departments of WGSS in the country, has a highly visible faculty of national and international reputation invited to speak in various fora on sometimes highly controversial subjects. Such faculty members, as scholars, have not only a right, but also an obligation to produce and disseminate knowledge within and beyond the academy. Moreover, as private citizens, our faculty continue to enjoy the same freedoms of speech and expression as any private citizen and in accordance with university policy the department supports their protection from institutional discipline in the exercise of these academic and free speech rights.

Presidents and the Chancellors of the Association of American Universities endorsed Free Speech Statement issued April 18, 2018:

The free and open exchange of ideas and information is fundamental to the educational mission of AAU universities. The robust discussions and debates that occur at research universities have been central to the advancement of democracy, the creation of new knowledge, the fostering of educational excellence, and the promotion of social progress. As heads of these institutions we are unequivocally committed to preserving and honoring this proud heritage.

While we may deem some speech to be odious, disgraceful, and antithetical to our values, our campuses are and should remain places where ideas can be expressed free of disruption, intimidation, and violence.

We are committed to preparing our students, faculty, and staff to engage in thoughtful, non-disruptive debate. Our collective responsibility to educate our campus communities on their rights and responsibilities is of the utmost importance and one we embrace. While protecting the expression of ideas, we will also take all steps necessary to promote an inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environment, and protect our communities from those who seek to promote conflict rather than conversation, debate, and advocacy.

We will continue to prepare students, faculty, and staff to engage in frank, open, and often challenging discussions. Our universities will also work to ensure that campus policies on speech, events, dissent, and other protected activities are publicly and conveniently available. We believe these actions are critical for our institutions to remain at the forefront of ensuring that substantive and non-violent speech is fully protected and welcomed in our society.

In restating these values, we aspire to be a model for society of how a free and democratic people should work through disagreements and arrive at a deeper understanding of important issues and of each other.

Rutgers Department of Women's and Gender Studies Statement on Politicizing Beyoncé

Brittney Cooper's Response to Guardian Article on Politicizing Beyoncé

Address:

Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building
162 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Tel: 848-932-9331
Fax: 732-932-1335

By bus:

From the New Brunswick train station:

Take the EE bus in Somerset Street (see route), exit in the bus stop "Henderson."

From downtown New Brunswick or College Ave Campus:

Take the EE (see route) or the F bus (see route), exit in the bus stop "Henderson."

From Busch Campus:

Take the REXB bus (see route), exit in the bus stop "Red Oak Lane," transfer to the EE or the F bus, exit in the bus stop "Henderson."

From Livingston Campus:

Take the REXL bus (see route), exit in the bus stop "Red Oak Lane," transfer to the EE or the F bus, exit in the bus stop "Henderson."

By car:

NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE:

Take exit 9 and follow signs for "Route 18 North/New Brunswick." Continue with ROUTE 18 NORTH directions below.U.S. ROUTE 1: From the SOUTH, take Route 1 North to the second Ryders Lane exit. A sign will read "Ryders Lane/New Brunswick" just beyond the overpass. (You will have passed DeVry Institute.) Follow the sign around to the right, which will put you on Ryders Lane. Go through the first light (Labor Center Way). Parking lot 71A is on the right. After parking, turn right out of the lot. It is a short walk to the Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building (follow the sidewalk).U.S. ROUTE 1: From the NORTH, take Route 1 to the Ryders Lane/New Brunswick exit. Proceed through the light to parking lot 71A. The Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building is on the right just beyond the parking lot. ROUTE 287: Take exit 9. (The sign for the exit reads "514 Spur, River Road/Bound Brook/Highland Park".) Proceed east on River Road toward Highland Park to the fifth traffic light (approximately 3.4 miles). Bear right at the light onto the John Lynch Bridge (Route 18 South) and cross the Raritan River. Continue with the ROUTE 18 SOUTH directions below.

ROUTE 18 SOUTH:

At the first traffic light after the John Lynch Bridge, turn right onto Commercial Avenue. At the first light, turn left onto George Street. Proceed through the next traffic light, under the overpass and make the next right (the road will be bending left, you will make a right onto Ryders Lane/Clifton Avenue). Stay on Ryders Lane for about a quarter of a mile. The Women's Scholarship and Leadership Complex, where the Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building is located, will be on your left. Parking can be found in lot 71A just beyond the entrance to the buildings.

ROUTE 18 NORTH:

Shortly after Paulus Boulevard, stay on the left and make a left at the first blinking light. You should now be on Commercial Avenue.  Continue on Commercial Avenue to next light, where you will take a left onto George Street.   Continue on George Street through the next light.  When you come to a roundabout, bear right onto Ryders Lane. Stay on Ryders Lane for about a quarter of a mile. The Women's Scholarship and Leadership Complex, which includes the Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building, is on your left. Parking can be found in lot 71A just beyond the entrance to the buildings.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies has a rich history at Rutgers University. Inaugurated as a department in 2001, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies has grown from offering a few courses at the University in 1973 to becoming one of the strongest interdisciplinary graduate and undergraduate programs in the United States.

At the Undergraduate level, we offer a Major (Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and Four Minors (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Critical Sexualities, Social Justice, and Gender and Media). We have developed each of these minors to introduce path-breaking research that address concerns of particular interdisciplinary constituencies.

Read more: Welcome to the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Make a contribution to Women's & Gender Studies at Rutgers University

To contribute to the Women's & Gender Studies Program at Rutgers, please print out the form. Mail the form with your gift to:

Paul Kuznekoff
School of Arts and Sciences-New Brunswick
Development Office
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
18 Bishop Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-9530

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!