Tash Mahnokaren
Staff Writer
Idaho State University’s Offce of Human Resources recently released updated policy changes.
Gender and sexual identity were some of the main topics addressed.
One of the changes is a new policy regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
This policy states that individuals in the educational and occupational fields at ISU cannot be discriminated on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
“They spent about six months to a year working on something that everyone could agree on,” said Ryan Heffner, president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA).
“Since I work in the Office of Student Affairs as an intern, I was able to see the different graphs of the policy as it came through,” he said.
With a progressively changing culture at Idaho State University, the need for tolerance and respect for the diversity that exists on campus is one that has become a focus.
In April of 1995, ISU addressed its commitment to providing a pleasant and inclusive environment through its focus on sexual orientation by issuing the sexual orientation policy.
Recently, ISU expanded this commitment to include the prevention of discrimination even further.
Policies that are drafted and implemented by the university are made to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the ISU community.
This is reflected in the extensive revisions and consensus base upon which these policies are written.
Multiple changes came from the work put in by human resources.
The addition of this policy can be found under the finance and administration link on ISU’s policy and procedures website.
“Having that put into our university’s official anti-discrimination policy is reifying of the idea that our school cares about all its students,” said Heffner.
“The school is working to make sure that no one feels discriminated against based on any part of who they are,” Heffner continued.
For those who identify as genderqueer, this policy ensures that their individual rights are recognized and protected.
As president of SAGA, Heffner said members of the organization were pleased to see the addition of this policy.
“Most surveys suggest that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students are the largest minority on campus,” said Heffner.
“Instead of asking someone if they have a girlfriend, when they may not identify as someone who is interested in women, saying something more inclusive such as, ‘Do you have a partner?’ would be better,” said Heffner.
Measures such as those implemented by ISU reflect a progressive start for those involved in SAGA.
In moving forward, Hefner hopes that ISU will work towards expanding its policy to include gender expression.
Gender expression ensures that for those who identify as genderqueer, their freedom to dress in a manner that reflects their orientation will not be disregarded.
“Without it being specifically mentioned in an anti-discrimination policy, there is the potential for someone to be discriminated on the basis of that,” said Heffner.
