Sinéad Baker | Co-Editor-at-Large
Trinity College Dublin is to launch its new Gender Identity and Expression Policy in 2015. The policy, which was approved by the College Board on the 25th June 2014, aims to protect students, staff and all visitors to College from discrimination based on their gender and/or sexuality, and aims to “provide an inclusive environment which promotes equality and values diversity”.
The policy, which was produced with consultation with groups including staff and student representatives and the Equality Committee, “outlines the College’s formal commitment to recognise and support an individual’s gender expression and gender identity so that all members of the College community experience a positive and tolerant environment where every member is treated with dignity and respect”.
The document is the first of its kind in Irish universities and is expected to inform other policies of its kind across other institutions. The policy highlights the lack of legislation around Gender Recognition in Ireland and formalises College’s commitment to “foreseeable future legislative initiatives in the area of Gender Recognition”.
The policy applies to student applicants, students and alumni as well as applicants for employment, employees and former employees. It will also apply to service users in Colleges – visitors, customers and clients of the College.
The policy also covers conduct that takes place on College property, at College functions and activities that involve those who represent the College. It also covers the usage of electronic communication in these situations.
Speaking to The University Times, Stephen Hatton, an intercalated masters student and a former LGBT Rights Officer of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, described the policy as “a significant step in the direction of full gender recognition and equality in Irish universities.”
“This policy creates essential provisions for Trans* and Intersex individuals to tackle current exclusions regarding accommodation, student records, participation in sport, supports when transitioning and much more.”
“The first policy of its kind in an Irish third level institution, Trinity can be proud to be at the forefront compared to other Third level institutions in Ireland and even the Irish State. This policy is planned to be reviewed and revised continually so it can best serve the students, staff and visitors of Trinity College Dublin.” Hatton was involved in consultation for the policy during his term of office in 2013-14.
