Kristie Seelman (MSW '07) spearheaded the successful effort to change University of Denver policy regarding transgender discrimination, based on research she had done as a student. "I thought it was something that could move the University forward," she says.
Seelman found colleges across the country were changing their nondiscrimination policies to protect the full spectrum of diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
A broad coalition of campus groups came together under Seelman's leadership to begin building support, researching similar policies and developing language that could be incorporated into DU's existing nondiscrimination policy. DU administrators were receptive to the change, Seelman says. They forwarded it to the Board of Trustees, who adopted the new language last fall.
University adds new discrimination protection
Now, a prohibition of discrimination based on gender identity and expression has been written into University of Denver policy, joining existing protections for gender and sexual orientation.
"It gives people the freedom to dress and express themselves they way they identify themselves," says Susan Lee, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity director.
The policy change follows similar protections written into Colorado state law last year. While it is DU policy to always follow applicable state and federal nondiscrimination laws, campus diversity officials and advocates say it is nevertheless important for DU to explicitly recognize that protection and create a welcoming campus climate.
"Once you have a policy in place it's easier to implement changes," says Sarah Nickels, assistant director of the Center for Multicultural Excellence. "This is an important step toward inclusion of people of all gender identities and expressions."
