Web Update: September 23, 2008 — The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GPAC) has released its annual Gender Equality National Index for Universities and Schools (GENIUS). The Index measures the work at colleges, universities, and K-12 schools across the country to raise awareness and prohibit discrimination based on student’s gender-identity, expression, and sexual orientation. Of note, GPAC found that 88% of the “Top 25″ schools in the country now have explicit non-discrimination policies that include gender-identity and/or expression.

GENIUS

In addition, the report comes with a Toolkit that offers great tips on how to take actions on campus. Currently, GPAC says that 56 schools have some form of gender-neutral housing. At this time, the National Student Genderblind Campaign defines gender-neutral housing in its most inclusive sense—the option to live in the same room with a student of any gender without any additional considerations. However, we recognize that gender-neutral housing can take place in many different ways—from theme housing, special interest housing, and in co-ed suites and apartments. As the only grassroots organization focused on gender-neutral housing, NSGC has and continues to work with colleges and universities of diverse backgrounds, regions, sizes, and demographics. Our goal is to implement gender-neutral housing in the least restrictive way for each institution.

“The National Student Genderblind Campaign is thrilled to see the progress colleges have made over the past year and applaud GPAC’s work. Three years ago, when we first started out there were only a handful of schools with gender-neutral housing and gender-identity & expressive inclusive policies. Now, it has become the norm. We are proud to have been cited in GenderYouth’s research and continue to work as partners on this important issue. All students, faculty, and staff deserve to be safe, included, and respected where they work, learn, and live,” says Co-Founder and Associate Director Jeffrey Chang.

Check out the Index and Toolkit at www.gpac.org/genius. Also, you can visit our Resources section for additional information.