Rice expands policy on nondiscrimination

Rice expands policy on nondiscrimination

BY B.J. ALMOND
Rice News staff

Rice University has added a prohibition against gender-identity discrimination to its Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action Policy. 

The phrase ”gender identity” is used to refer to a person’s internal self-awareness of being either male or female, masculine or feminine, or something in between. Most people’s gender identity is consistent with their sex at birth, but transgender individuals experience their gender identity as not conforming to their sex at birth or to stereotypical gender norms. The revised policy covers university actions in the areas of admissions decisions, employment and the provision of university services.

The university changed the policy to reinforce Rice’s already existing commitment to inclusiveness. A message of welcome and respect should help Rice attract the most talented students, faculty and staff available.

More than 50 U.S. universities have extended their nondiscrimination policies to include gender identity, including Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, MIT and Cal Tech. Numerous states, municipalities and employers have also adopted similar policy statements.

Additional information about gender-identity issues is available through the Rice Counseling Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Rice’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Council. Employees may also contact the Office of Human Resources, Rice’s employee assistance program (LifeWorks, 888-267-8126) or Rice’s director of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Programs.