University Non-Discrimination Statement
February 23, 2005

The University of Michigan is strongly committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. To that end, we established the Task Force on the Campus Climate for Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay (TBLG) Faculty, Staff, and Students and charged it to collect relevant information and then make recommendations aimed towards improving the climate for TBLG persons. The report was issued last spring and includes a recommendation that the University's non-discrimination and equal opportunity policy include gender identity within its protections. In addition, the Michigan Student Assembly issued a resolution on February 8, 2005 that makes the same recommendation. We have reviewed the Task Force Report, the MSA resolution, and consulted with diverse members of our community.

Based on a recent opinion of the Sixth Circuit in Smith v. City of Salem, 378 F.3d 566 (2004), our General Counsel's Office has concluded that discrimination based upon gender non-conforming behavior, including gender expression and gender identity, is expressly included in and covered by the prohibition against sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution, 42 USC §1983.

The University has in place several University-wide non-discrimination statements that apply to faculty, staff and students, and include a prohibition of discrimination based on sex.

Accordingly, from this point forward, the University will interpret and apply the prohibition against sex discrimination in its equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies to include discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

Discrimination against members of the University community based on gender non-conforming behavior, gender expression or gender identity is prohibited.

If you have questions about how this policy impacts you or your unit, you may contact the following University offices:

Office of Institutional Equity
http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/oie/contact.htm
734-763-0235 (V)
734-647-1388 (TTY)

Division of Student Affairs
Dean of Students
http://www.umich.edu/~dofs/
Tel: 734-764-7420

The Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs
http://www.umich.edu/~inqueery
(734)763-4186

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