The University of California (UC) will adopt non-binary gender identification options in its official documents and information systems as part of its commitment to equity and inclusion.
UC president Michael V. Drake remarked that the institution “continues to fully embrace diversity in our country” and that this policy is a “step toward a more inclusive society,” which is a foundation for a “stronger, more vibrant society.”
UC’s New Policy
LGBTQ community leaders advocated for the policy as they sought to have official identity documents aligned with their current gender identity instead of their gender at birth.
With the new policy, university students, employees, alumni, retirees, vendors, and even medical center patients and other affiliates can now choose from man, woman, or nonbinary gender identification options when dealing with university-issued documents.
Implementation of the policy across all campuses, laboratories, medical centers, and other UC facilities has started and will continue updating until full implementation in 2023. Individuals will be able to amend their gender designations after the update retroactively.
Fruit of Advocacy
The policy complies with the California Gender Recognition Act (SB 179), which made it significantly easier for transgender people living or born in California to obtain identity documents that accurately reflect their gender.
Yvette Gullatt, vice president and vice provost for Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs of UC, acknowledged that the policy “culminates from a collaborative process. She thanked the contributors to this critical policy, which include the Academic Senate, LGBTQ Resource Center directors, and their supporters.