Clark Political Science professor attends White House reception, policy briefing

Prof. Ravi Perry with Vice President Joe Biden

Ravi Perry, assistant professor of political science, and president of the Worcester Chapter of the NAACP, attended the White House LGBT Pride Month Reception and Policy Briefing on June 29. Invited LGBT community leaders from throughout the country participated in a morning briefing, asked questions and received information concerning the Administration’s efforts on behalf of the LGBT community. Approximately 200 people attended.

“The fact that the president has appointed more members of the LGBT community to federal positions that any other president is significant. However, even more powerful, is the Administration’s position that the issues and concerns of the LGBT community are, in fact, civil rights issues. By accurately framing the experiences of the LGBT community through the lens of civil rights, the sociopolitical struggles of the LGBT community finally receive recognition long overlooked by the federal government,” said Perry.

Although Perry said there is “much more to do to advance the cause of human rights advocacy and the equality of rights for all,” he commends President Obama for his “historic leadership in advocating for greater human and civil rights protections for the LGBT community.”

A reception was held at The White House, at which President Obama spoke from the podium and greeted attendees. Vice President Biden was also in attendance.