Tarleton State University updates its Employment Equal Opportunity Statement to reflect Sexual Orientation and Gender Idenity

Some cool news was recently emailed out to all Faculty and Staff at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX: 

Dear Tarleton Community,

 Tarleton State University and the Texas A&M University System are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning and work environment for all students, employees and visitors.  As such, Tarleton prohibits any form of illegal discrimination and harassment, including conduct relating to an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents further backed this commitment by approving a change last week to the System’s EEO Statement as outlined in section 1.1 of System Policy 08.01, which now reads: “The system will provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout the system.” All persons have the right to privacy, including the right to disclose or keep private their gender affiliation.  They also have the right to utilize university facilities, including restrooms, that correspond to their gender identity or expression, regardless of their biological sex.  Employees and students should respect these decisions. For questions or more conversation about building a more inclusive work and learning environment, you may contact the department of Employee Services at 254-968-9128 or the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at 254-968-9488.

Angie Brown, MS, PHRAssistant VP, Employee ServicesAdjunct Instructor, Mgmt, Mktg, Admin Sysabrown@tarleton.edu |  www.tarleton.eduP: (254) 968-9976  |  F: (254) 968-9590
Box T-0510, Stephenville TX 76402

I love that this specifically mentions bathroom use and includes expression on top of identity and differentiates from biological sex. (Though that on its own has some issues but I'll take what I can get).