HR 5.8 Inclusion of Transgender Students and Employees

HR 5.8 Inclusion of Transgender Students and Employees

Virginia Wesleyan University commits not merely to follow applicable federal and state law regarding non‐discrimination, but to promote through training, education, counseling, and administration equal opportunities and a supportive, respectful, and caring environment for all persons.

With regard to the privacy rights of a transgender person, Virginia Wesleyan will recognize or protect the identity of a transgender student or employee as requested by the affected transgender person.

The University invites students and employees to self‐identify as a member of any protected class or status so that it can take appropriate steps to ensure that they suffer no discrimination. Alternatively, persons choosing not to self‐disclose will not be placed at any disadvantage with respect to any University benefit or practice.

For purposes of institutional correspondence and records, students and employees shall be given the option of designating an appropriate prefix among these options: no prefix, Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr.

Unless a restroom facility is expressly excluded from this regulation, Virginia Wesleyan University policy is that persons can use the single‐sex restroom that matches their gender identity. The University has gender‐neutral restrooms on the first floor of Clarke Hall, on the first floor of Pruden Hall, and in Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Unless a locker room facility is expressly excluded from this regulation, Virginia Wesleyan University policy is that persons can use the single‐sex locker room that matches their gender identity.

Complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment, or bullying by or against transgender students are handled in a manner consistent with existing policies on these matters; Complaints of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression shall be handled according to the procedures already in place for dealing with complaints for gender discrimination.

Virginia Wesleyan follows NCAA policy on transgender athletes.

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