Protections and Resources for Transgender Students and Employees at UConn
As many of you are aware, on Wednesday, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice rescinded guidance documents that provided certain protections for transgender students, including the right to use restrooms that match the gender with which they identify.
We want the university community to know that this action does not change UConn’s longstanding commitment to ensure a safe and nondiscriminatory learning and working environment for all members of our community, including those who are transgender.
UConn’s Policy against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In addition, the University’s Transgender Guidelines assist the UConn community in supporting individuals undergoing a gender transition.
UConn students and employees have the right to safely express their gender identity, to be judged based on merit and ability, and to be free from discrimination and harassment. This includes using restrooms and locker rooms that match the gender with which they identify.
Nothing in the federal action requires us to alter or diminish these UConn protections.
In 2011, Connecticut state law established comprehensive transgender protections, and we at UConn remain committed to enforcing these protections on our campus. In addition, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed an executive order Thursday reemphasizing the state's commitment to protecting transgender students in all public schools and universities.
For more information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact UConn’s Rainbow Center, Office for Diversity and Inclusion and/or Office of Institutional Equity.
Sincerely,
Joelle Murchison, Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer – Office for Diversity and Inclusion
Elizabeth Conklin, Associate Vice President, Title IX Coordinator & ADA Coordinator – Office of Institutional Equity
For more information, contact: Elizabeth Conklin at 860-486-2943