POLICY CONVERSATION

The Diversity Advisory Council is recommending that Gender Identity and Expression be added to the Non-discrimination policy for Maricopa. This recommendation was first discussed in 2003. This year, the recommendation was accepted and supported by the Chancellor's Executive Council and is currently in discussion by the Governing Board.

Many people wonder why an addition to the policy is being recommended, and some folks are concerned that if groups keep being added, the list of protected groups will be unwieldly. Others question whether current policies are sufficient to protect all students and employees at Maricopa without any changes.

The Diversity Advisory Council believes that the addition of Gender Identity and Expression is important for several reasons.

• People who do not conform to expected norms of gender identity and expression are often subjected to ridicule, discrimination and violence. We do not want that to be the case of our students and employees.
• There are no state or legislative supports for this group. Without explicit policy, Maricopa's intent regarding treatment of this population is difficult for employees and students to know. A policy allows for consistency in expectations and actions.
• This policy is consistent with Maricopa's Mission, Vision and Values to provide an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and employees.

It is important to note that 116 colleges an universities across the country have already added Gender Identity to their Non-discrimination Policies, including Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

For more information, contact Equality Maricopa or Diversity Initiatives.