According to members of the initiative, of the top 15 nationally ranked universities, NU is one of three to not include a gender protection clause in its non-discrimination policy. The initiative hopes to include gender identity and expression in the university non-discrimination policy.
With the bill, ASG will lobby university administration to amend the policy to include these aspects as well as examine logistical concerns, such as gender-neutral on-campus residences and bathrooms.
Debate centered largely on issues initiative member McCormick junior Mykell Miller considered irrelevant.
Some ASG members, such as Weinberg freshman Jonathan Green and Communication junior James D'Angelo, thought that it was contradictory to add a particular group to a non-discrimination policy.
Part of the debate was also dedicated to the definition of gender identity, with some mistaking it for sexual orientation.
For D'Angelo, he didn't think there was discrimination on campus based on gender identity.
"I've never wanted any student to feel uncomfortable," the ASG clerk said. "I'm not convinced there's been any wrongdoing thus far."
Members of the initiative who presented the bill — Rainbow Co-President Kelsey Pacha, Rainbow Senator Patrick Dawson and Miller — were appalled at his statement.
Miller said students who identify themselves with a different gender identity do suffer from discrimination. He knows it personally.
He was forced to live in an all-female suite during his freshman year. His Wildcard still has his legal name even though he goes by Mykell.
The initiative is currently working on discussing logistical issues with residential life. It hopes to create a suite, wing or floor converted to gender-neutral housing in two dorms: one on North Campus and one on South Campus. The initiative also is hoping to create single stall, gender-neutral restrooms. About 40 percent of restrooms would be all-male and 40 percent all-female.
—ALICE TRUONG
No comments:
Post a Comment