Gender
Through our participants in the roundtables, we learned that there is much work to be done in creating a gender-affirming Loyola, specifically as it pertains to policies that support gender inclusivity and spaces that affirm gender identity. Participants noted a need for transparency and action in the areas of policy, training, and affinity spaces.
Challenges for Lived Experiences
- Lack of support for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming students (limited gender-neutral restrooms, no policies to address misgendering, lack of housing, etc.)
- Gender-based disparities and disproportions (e.g., service/volunteer work; maternity)
- Need for more robust demographic data (intersectional)
- Catholic values and sexual/reproductive health on campus
- Lack of training, intersectional analysis, and critical understanding of identity (e.g., facilities not understanding why menstrual products are needed on all restrooms)
- Lack of support for faculty/staff (i.e., affinity spaces/groups)
- Need for more gender-based violence prevention and resources
Positive Engagement to Build Upon
- There is active engagement and existing awareness of these challenges
- Policies exist, but they need to be expanded upon and supported (e.g., making name change more accessible, increasing support for menstrual equity project)
- Continue increase in representation and diverse hires (plus women new hires)
Actions for Further Progress
Institution Level
- Ensure transparency about University processes
- Launch more robust training on gender inclusion and existing resources (expanding to all campuses)
- Adapt language in policies (e.g., using “name” and “pronouns” as opposed to “preferred name/pronouns”)
- Increase gender inclusive spaces (both gender-neutral restrooms, as well as affinity spaces)
- Create a misgendering policy (addressing use of incorrect pronouns and names)
Community Level
- Increase existing resources and making them more easily accessible/available
- Create a culture shift – encouraging use of pronouns, correcting people, names, etc.
Individual Level
- Promote personal engagement in shifting the culture (normalizing pronoun use)
- Engage in professional development and further education
Through our participants in the roundtables, we learned that there is much work to be done in creating a gender-affirming Loyola, specifically as it pertains to policies that support gender inclusivity and spaces that affirm gender identity. Participants noted a need for transparency and action in the areas of policy, training, and affinity spaces.
Challenges for Lived Experiences
- Lack of support for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming students (limited gender-neutral restrooms, no policies to address misgendering, lack of housing, etc.)
- Gender-based disparities and disproportions (e.g., service/volunteer work; maternity)
- Need for more robust demographic data (intersectional)
- Catholic values and sexual/reproductive health on campus
- Lack of training, intersectional analysis, and critical understanding of identity (e.g., facilities not understanding why menstrual products are needed on all restrooms)
- Lack of support for faculty/staff (i.e., affinity spaces/groups)
- Need for more gender-based violence prevention and resources
Positive Engagement to Build Upon
- There is active engagement and existing awareness of these challenges
- Policies exist, but they need to be expanded upon and supported (e.g., making name change more accessible, increasing support for menstrual equity project)
- Continue increase in representation and diverse hires (plus women new hires)