Gender identity inclusion a must

Our stance on the UCF non-discrimination policy is the same as it was five months ago:

Discrimination of any kind should not be tolerated.

Students have been attempting to have gender identity added to UCF's non-discrimination policy since at least last April.

The current Golden Rule handbook states that the college will "promote equal opportunity policies and practices" for all students and faculty, but it lacks any protection for gender identity and expression.

Arizona State and Ohio State, the first and second largest universities in the U.S., have non-discrimination policies in place that include transgender individuals. It is time for UCF to join other colleges in sending a message that discrimination of any kind is not acceptable.

We are happy to see that Resolution 42-50 (Resolution Calling for Greater Inclusiveness of Transgender Students at the University of Central Florida) was passed Thursday.

We can't help but be a bit disappointed, though, that Maribeth Ehasz vetoed Bill 42-79, Revisions to Title XI: Code of Ethics, which was the bill calling for the inclusion of gender identity in the UCF code of ethics.        

Ehasz, the vice president of Student Development and Enrollment Services, wrote a letter to Student Government Association President Michael Kilbride. "Changes to university regulations must be approved by the president and board of trustees," she said. "I hope that a more thorough review will provide valuable information to make an informed decision about any proposed policy changes in the future."

We hope that the president and the board of trustees agree with the UCF students who have been working to make gender identity part of UCF's non-discrimination policy.

Finally adding gender identity to the policy will give people the protection they deserve. Regardless of your gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, marital status or possible disability, your school offers you protection while on its campus. No one should feel unsafe or discriminated against while on campus.

We have reason to be hopeful that the board of trustees might vote to add the policy. After the Senate voted to override Ehasz's veto, Kilbride commented on the situation.

"I hope we can continue to advance this issue forward to higher levels," he said. "As a member of the board of trustees, I would be proud to vote for the change of university policy to include this in our protective policies."

Regardless of how you view gender identity, it is important for all UCF students, staff and faculty to support policies that eliminate discrimination on campus and in your community.