UGA Faculty/Staff Recommend Change to Anti-Discrimination Policy

Faculty and staff members at the University of Georgia want to beef up the language in the school’s non-discrimination policy.Broadcast Version

  The University Council has sent a recommendation to UGA president Jere Morehead to add the phrase “gender identity” to its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy.

Management Information Systems professor Janine Aronson has worked at UGA for more than 20 years. When she came out as transgender several years ago, she says she got support from the administration, but she believes it is time to add the language to university policy.

“For folks who are deep in the closet, it will give them some sense of relief,” said Aronson. “It will also make it possible to hire some talented people on the faculty and staff, because they will recognize UGA as a welcoming organization. And it sends a message.”

Opponents say existing wording protecting against discrimination based on sex already covers gender identity.

The university’s Vice President for Public Affairs, Tom Jackson, says President Morehead has not yet reviewed the recommendation; it requires Morehead’s signature to become policy.