3.21 Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names, and Pronouns

Last Revised: NEW

Refer Questions to: Director, Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator

Executive Sponsor: Chief Diversity Officer

Responsible Unit: Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX

Effective: August 1, 2024

STATEMENT

Gallaudet University recognizes that transgender, gender expansive, and non-binary populations are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, harassment, and threats to their safety and well-being. Through the development and establishment of this institutional level policy, the University affirms its strong commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all community members, regardless of gender identity or expression.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all faculty, teachers, staff, students, and guests participating or attempting to participate in Gallaudet University and/or Clerc Center education programs or activities, including employment, and to all divisions and units of Gallaudet University.

POLICY

It is the policy of Gallaudet University to promote an environment that is inclusive of individuals of all gender identity or expression, and to ensure its programs, activities, and facilities, including at Clerc Center, are free from discrimination based on gender.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX shall be responsible for the development and implementation of any procedures and training and for responding to any reports or complaints of violations under this policy. Additional guidelines related to Clerc Center students are located in A&O 1.30: Clerc Center Guidelines on Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students.

Name, Gender Identity, and Pronouns

• University members are not required to provide documentation if they choose to use:
• a chosen (or preferred) name that is different than the name listed on their legal documents;
• a gender identity that differs from their legal sex (or sex assigned at birth); and/or
• specific pronouns and other gendered personal references when referring to themselves.
• University members may determine whether, how, and with whom to share their chosen names, gender identities, and/or pronouns or other gendered personal references used when referring to themselves.
• All University members, units, and divisions are expected to make reasonable efforts to use the names, gender identities, and pronouns specified to them by another University member, except during instances when the use of legal names or legal sex is required.

Programs, Activities, and Facilities

• All University or Clerc provided housing, restrooms, and locker rooms will be accessible to individuals of all gender identities.
• University members may:
• access gender-specific facilities that correspond with their gender identities; and
• participate in University or Clerc Center activities and programs consistent with their gender identities, including but not limited to, housing, restrooms, locker rooms, recreation services and activities, and camp programs.
• University members will not be required to use all-gender or gender-specific facilities that do not correspond with their gender identities because: 1) their legal sex differs from their gender identity; or 2) their gender expression.

Privacy

With the exception of school officials with a legitimate educational interest and those employees whose work assignments reasonably require access to information about pronouns, gender identities, and legal sex, all divisions and units are required to take reasonable measures to maintain the privacy of University members’ information in official University and Clerc Center records related to their use of pronouns, gender identities, and legal sex.

If a University member has indicated a chosen or preferred name, measures should be taken to maintain the privacy of the University member’s legal name whenever possible.

Data Collection

When feasible, any unit, division, or University member that collects information about other University members’ legal sex, sex assigned at birth, and/or gender identities should provide an explanation as to why the information is being collected and how the information will be used.

University members are not required to respond to requests to disclose their legal sex, sex assigned at birth, or gender identity unless legally required or when there is a legitimate University-related reason for the request.

Potential Conflicts

Any University member who believes their compliance with this policy would violate a law, rule, or requirement that the University is required to or has committed to follow should consult with the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX and the Office of the General Counsel.

SCHEDULE OF REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed every three years and as needed to comply with any applicable laws and regulations. The next scheduled review shall be completed by: August 2027.

APPROVED BY

Gallaudet University Administration

July 31, 2024

RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RESOURCES

• 1.30 Clerc Center Guidelines on Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students
• 3.01 Equal Opportunity Statement
• 3.18 Discrimination (formerly 2.28: Anti-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure) 
• 3.19 Title IX Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Retaliation
• 3.20 Pregnancy and Related Conditions and Parenting Students
• EOP.02 Title IX Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment and Retaliation Resolution Procedures
• Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX

HISTORY

2024 08 01 New