Senator Cynthia Lummis issues statement on comments at UW Commencement Ceremony

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - “Even fundamental scientific truths, such as the existence of two sexes, male and female, are subject to challenge these days,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis speaking at the university of Wyoming’s commencement ceremony.

The comments turned heads and drew mixed reactions from the students at the event.

Now, the University of Wyoming is speaking out, saying it doesn’t condone Lummis’ remarks.

UW spokesperson Chad Baldwin summarized a statement made by University President Edward Seidel, defending the right to free speech and clarifying its stance on the comments.

“He also pointed out that her statements about biological sex were not aligned with the feelings of many people on our campus and off, and just making sure that everybody understands that the university is a welcoming place for everybody,” said Baldwin.

UW wasn’t the only one that issued a statement following the incident, as the senator herself spoke once more about the topic at hand.

Lummis apologized for her comments in a statement issued to Wyoming News now:

“I was honored to give the commencement address yesterday at my alma mater, the University of Wyoming. My speech centered on three central themes, the immense challenge and immense importance of parenting and teaching others; the value of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you; and our individual responsibility in safeguarding the constitution and the liberties it ensures. My reference to the existence of two sexes was intended to highlight the times in which we find ourselves, times in which the metric of biological sex is under debate with potential implications for the shared Wyoming value of equality. I share the fundamental belief that women and men are equal, but also acknowledge that there are biological differences and circumstances in which these differences need to be recognized. That being said, it was never my intention to make anyone feel un-welcomed or disrespected, and for that I apologize. I have appreciated hearing from members of the University of Wyoming community on this issue, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue.” -Cynthia Lummis

Lummis is a Republican Senator from Wyoming and a UW alumni.