Providence College Former Diversity Official Files Discrimination Charge, Alleging Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination
E. Corry Kole, a former diversity official at Providence College, has filed a discrimination charge with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, alleging they experienced a pattern of discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity throughout their employment at the college.
Kole, who is nonbinary, said they were told by a college official that they were “too liberal” and “cannot identify as queer.” Kole also alleges they were told to use “she/her” pronouns in front of students, but “they/them” pronouns privately.
Kole alleges they experienced other forms of discrimination, including being told to remove their name from public-facing materials and having their work schedule criticized.
Kole resigned from their position in March 2023, citing ongoing harassment and bullying.
The college has not yet reviewed the formal charge, but a spokesperson said the institution looks forward to addressing unsubstantiated claims of discrimination.
The tensions at Providence College reflect the strain among Catholics, even as the Vatican has recently taken steps to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
Timeline of Events
*
2020:
Kole is hired at Providence College as a resource coordinator in the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.*
2022:
Kole is promoted to director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education and Professional Development.*
Summer 2022:
Kole says they were told by a college official that they were “too liberal” and “cannot identify as queer.”*
Fall 2022:
Kole begins their personal transition as trans-nonbinary and begins to disclose their pronouns as “they/them.”*
June 2023:
Kole is told by an associate vice president that “the Friars are not going to like that” and suggests they use “she/her” pronouns in front of students.*
Fall 2023:
Kole returns to work after taking medical leave and is told to remove their name from public-facing materials.*
March 8, 2023:
Kole resigns from their position, citing ongoing harassment and bullying.*
March 18, 2023:
Hundreds of students, staff members, and alumni sign an open letter calling for LGBTQ+ justice at Providence College.*
