CampusLife

Center for Diversity & Inclusion

Transgender Resource Guide

"American University has a long and proud tradition not merely of tolerating but actively affirming the value of the diversity of human experience as a vital enrichment to our academic community." 
- President's Statement Upon Adding Gender Identity and Expression to AU's Policies, June 2002.

In keeping with a university tradition that is committed to inclusiveness and social justice, on June 1, 2002, American University became one of the first dozen colleges in the United States to explicitly include "gender identity and expression" in our non-discrimination policies. The following guide will provide some information about current policies; if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion.

University Non-Discrimination Policy

American University provides equal opportunity for all qualified persons in its educational programs and activities. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, or Vietnam-era veteran status. It conforms with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws. This policy of non-discrimination applies to every aspect of the operations and activities of the university generally and includes admissions and employment.

Know Your Rights!
Gender Identity and Expression Human Rights

  • The right to non-discrimination in educational, housing, and employment opportunities.  
  • The right to non-discriminatory campus services and a non-hostile work/study environment.  
  • The right to not be required to state whether you are transgender as an applicant.  
  • The right to designate yourself as female or male on an application form as it corresponds to your legal sex or to your gender identity or expression.  
  • The right to not have to provide documentation or other proof of your gender identity or expression except when everyone must provide it for a reasonable business or medical purpose.  
  • The right to not be forced to dress in a manner inconsistent with your sex or your gender identity or expression.  
  • The right to use multi-user restrooms and other gender-specific facilities consistent with your gender identity or expression.  
  • The right to have all single-user restrooms designated as gender neutral.  
  • The right to use spaces where nudity in the presence of others is customary (e.g. locker rooms) that correspond to your gender identity or expression.  
  • The right to equally access student housing corresponding to your gender identity or expression.  
  • The right to request and receive accommodations as necessary to stop or reasonably prevent unlawful hostilities or harassment.  
  • The right to reasonable accommodations (e.g. medical leave) for transgender-related health care needs similar to accommodations provided for other medical needs.  
  • The right to ask for and be respectfully called by your preferred name, form of address, and gender-related pronoun.  
  • The right to not be asked hostile, personal questions about your body, gender identity or expression, or gender transition.  
  • The right to not have people create hostility by telling others your transgender status.  

These rights come from D.C. Human Rights regulations found in Title IV DCMR Chapter 8.