Human Rights Campaign Statement on the Death of Dr. Letty Russell
For Immediate Release:
Friday, July 13, 2007
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF DR. LETTY RUSSELL
WASHINGTON — Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, offered the following statement today on the death of Dr. Letty Russell. Russell was the professor emeritus of liberation theology at Yale Divinity School. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Russell was one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Divinity School. She is remembered as one of the early pioneers advocating for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in both the church and society.
Solmonese said:
"In her advocacy on behalf of women and LGBT people, she made all people more free. Her legacy will be seen in the lives and work of her students and others she touched for generations to come. We are grateful for her life, her dedication to her calling and all the lessons we learned from her. Our hearts are with her partner, Shannon Clarkson."
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.