Transgender Inclusion in University Nondiscrimination Statements: Challenging Gender‐Conforming Privilege through Student Activism

Abstract

This case study focuses on policy change efforts to challenge gender‐conforming privilege and gain protections for transgender individuals in higher education. This participatory action research centered on a faculty–student partnership in activism as the team worked to include the terms “gender identity and expression” in the university nondiscrimination policies to promote justice and equity for transgender students on campus. Using an approach we refer to as “critical liberatory feminist pedagogy,” this study examined the psychological, social, and institutional processes influencing student leadership for change and faculty pedagogical methods for encouraging student‐initiated activism beyond the classroom. Student and faculty change agents described obstacles to change, action strategies, and the influence of privilege and power dynamics on the institutional change process. The insights gained from the collaborative faculty–student partnership are presented to inform others seeking innovative pedagogical practices and to create avenues for challenging privilege and power imbalances.

Preparing Students for Research and for Work with the Transgender Population: Exploring the Results of an Innovative Course Pairing

“…In addition to information gained from attending the panel presentation, students learned that discrimination toward gender-nonconforming individuals has been reported in health care (Dean et al, 2000), the workplace (Berry, McGuffee, Rush, & Columbus, 2003;Dispenza, Watson, Chung, & Brack, 2012), higher education (Case, Kanenberg, Erich, & Tittsworth, 2012) and the military (Kerrigan, 2012). Reports by transgender individuals of their experiences of violence were also provided (Cook-Daniels & Munson, 2010;Lombardi, Wilchins, Priesing, & Malouf, 2001;Singh & McKleroy, 2011).…”

Victimization and Microaggressions Targeting LGBTQ College Students: Gender Identity As a Moderator of Psychological Distress

“…Past studies have documented forms of subtle heterosexist behaviors, including gay jokes and other slurs (Silverschanz, Cortina, Kornik, & Magley, 2008) and the microaggression "that's so gay" (Woodford et al, 2012). While not always labeled as microaggressions, recent work has documented examples of subtle discrimination affecting trans* people in college, such as facing unreasonable barriers to changing one's name or gender on campus records (Seelman, 2013) and witnessing others minimize the need for changing policies to protect trans* people (Case, Kanenberg, Erich, & Tittsworth, 2012).…”

Reflection of Identity through the Use of Bintil Language in Gaya Lentera Muda Community Lampung

“…Language is a kind of symbol. More than any other symbol, a symbol of more languages show a reality (Syam 2009, p.43;Rawson 2010;Scott 2011;Case 2012;Kuper 2012;Kelly 2011). In social life, there are certain groups that have a particular language as a symbol of group identity which is characterized by distinctive behavior and use of language.…”