This is being hailed as an advancement in equality and inclusion. The policy makes a distinction between gender identity and “lived name options.”
From the UC Office of the President:
UC advances equality, inclusion by implementing nonbinary gender identificationThe University of California announced today (Nov. 17) that it has adopted systemwide gender identity and lived name options for UC-issued documents and information systems. UC’s new Presidential Policy on Gender Recognition and Lived Names, which acknowledges gender identities other than man and woman, is another milepost in the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion for all.“The University of California continues to fully embrace diversity in our country,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “We believe this policy is a step toward an even more inclusive community and, in turn, will help build a stronger, more vibrant society.”LGBTQ community leaders have advocated for identity documents that align with and acknowledge a person’s current gender identity, regardless of gender assigned at birth. The 2017 California Gender Recognition Act is a recent win for the movement. UC’s new policy embraces this effort and takes it a step further by including a lived name option.“This policy underscores UC’s commitment to reflect California’s dynamic demographics and individuality,” stated John A. Pérez, chair of the UC Board of Regents, which governs the University of more than 190,000 employees and 238,000 students systemwide. “Further, as the state’s third largest employer, UC’s recognition of nonbinary gender identities and lived names supports broader transgender rights, which has been a long time coming for California and the nation.”
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