NDSU has finalized two changes to Policy 100: NDSU’s equal opportunity and non-discrimination policy. The wording has been changed from Vietnam veterans and updated to make clear that all veterans are included. The second change is to add gender identity to the policy that will include transgender individuals.
According to Evie Myers, vice president for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, NDSU’s commitment to the value of diversity guided these changes. “It was important for NDSU to make this change as a commitment to our value for diversity, and to be welcoming to all people who work and study here,” Myers said.
With the wording of Policy 100, the inclusion of all veterans often has been questioned. The new wording states “status as a U.S. veteran.” The change includes all veterans who have and are serving our country. This assures all U.S. military individuals that they are included in the non-discrimination policy.
Twenty years ago, when the last change was made, sexual orientation was added to the policy. Meyers said that gender identity has been added in order to make our campus more open and welcoming to all faculty, staff, administrators and students.
“My hope is that transgender individuals and veterans who work and study here at NDSU have always been treated with respect and dignity. However, the changes that were recently made to Policy 100 provide us with the opportunity to address any incidents of discrimination that might occur in the future,” Myers said.
For more information go to www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/100 or contact the Office of the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach at 1-7708.
July 23, 2009