Gender Identity and Expression

Gender Identity and Expression Discrimination

As outlined in Appalachian State University's Equal Opportunity Policy, it is the internal policy of the university to prohibit harassment and other forms of impermissible discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.  Appalachian prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment as well as access to the provision of educational programs, services and activities. This form of discrimination may be inadvertent or intentional, obvious or subtle; regardless, it is unacceptable at Appalachian.

Definitions of Gender Identity and Expression

According to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, gender identity is defined as “the inner sense that all humans have of themselves in terms of gender.” This identity can be male, female or neither. Gender expression is the outward manifestation of one’s gender. Gender identity and gender expression may be different and therefore the expression may not correspond with the identity. Likewise, gender identity and gender expression may both differ from one’s birth sex.

Examples of gender identity and/or expression discrimination may include:

  • A student is not granted an educational opportunity because his sex is male yet he dresses as a female.
  • A supervisor refuses to alter a work schedule for an employee to accommodate her participation in transACTION, a university organization for transgender, transsexual, gender queer, and all other types of gender variant students, employees, community members, and allies, even when the schedule alteration would not impose undue hardship on the unit or department.
  • A candidate is not offered a job because of his gender identity.
  • A supervisor permits employees to put down, demean, and ridicule an employee because of her gender expression.

It is also against the policy of Appalachian State University to retaliate against an individual for opposing practices that discriminate based on gender identity and/or expression or for filing a discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation related to a complaint of discrimination.

ASU Policies and Procedures Related to Gender Identity and Expression

Gender Identity Related Sites

All links listed on the Office of EDC website are provided as information only with no endorsement intended, implied or otherwise. The content and perspectives presented in these linked sites are not necessarily those of Appalachian State University.