University of Oklahoma President-elect speaks on LGBT+ issues

By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer

The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents named longtime energy company executive James L. Gallogly as the university's next president.

Gallogly will become OU's 14th president on July 1.

The Gayly spoke with Gallogly today regarding his stance on LGBT+ issues on campus.

Gallogly said LGBT+ students can be feel assured he stands with them, "You [LGBT+ community] shouldn’t worry about this. We have an inclusive society at our university."

Regarding the future support for LGBT+ programs' like the LGBTQ Program Advisory Board, LGBTQ Ally and the OU Gender + Equality Center, Gallogly said "We have to have fair and inclusive university. There is no other way to do things."

Gallogly also commented on LGBT+ bullying and harassment concerns, "If there is something like that going on, we need to hear about it and do something about it. It is unacceptable at our university."

He concluded, "I just think we’re all different in our ways and everyone deserves to be treated with respect. We’re all unique. That’s a wonderful thing, personally."

Gallogly will succeed David Boren, who announced in September he would step down on June 30.

The Gayly. March 26, 2018. 3:32 p.m. CST.