Staff Editorial | Inclusive anti-discrimination policy important for recognizing and protecting members of College

Vassar has long been known as an institution that prioritizes and supports individuality. The College safeguards students’ self-expression through anti-discrimination and harassment policies that provide comprehensive protections for all classifications of students. Addressed in these policies is a student’s “sex,” which encompasses both gender and sex, and includes transgender identity.

Although these protections are in place for students, the College Democrats recently took issue with the employee policies regarding gender identity. The Democrats were specifically concerned about the lack of protection for transgendered employees. After appealing to the Faculty Policy and Conference Committee, the Democrats took their concern to College President Fran Fergusson. As a result of their initiative and Fergusson’s support, the policy change is likely to pass before the end of the 2005-2006 academic year. We at The Miscellany News applaud this change and student-led effort, as this addition has both a functional value in protecting all employees, as well as a symbolic value in recognizing an often marginalized group.

In 2002, New York State passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and the exercise of civil rights. However, the act failed to explicitly protect the expression of gender. SONDA will cover discrimination against transgendered individuals only on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation—not specifically on the basis of gender. Some New York courts have protected transgendered individuals under this law by applying “sex” or “sexual orientation” to transgender cases, but it is encouraging to see Vassar take a step to explicitly ensure the protection of all its employees.

The concern and quick action of both the students and administration exemplify the the Vassar community’s dedication to preserving individual freedom. The enthusiasm of all parties involved speaks to the commitment of the Vassar community to remain an open and safe environment for all.

Currently, 47 other colleges and universities across the United States have adopted non-discrimination policies that include provisions explicitly protecting transgender persons, according to the Transgender Law and Policy Institute. As this national movement toward protecting this group gains momentum, Vassar has taken a solid step toward continuing the process of ensuring that all groups are provided for under policies on protection.