Loyola University Chicago

Office of the Dean of Students

Division of Student Development

Affirmation of Support for Transgender Students

DOS and SDMA Statement to Transgender Community

‌Dear Students,

On February 22, 2017, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education announced in a joint statement that they are withdrawing guidance issued by the previous administration that required educational institutions to permit transgender students access to sex-segregated facilities (including bathrooms, locker rooms, etc.) based on gender identity. While the statement maintains protections for "LGBT students" (their words) from discrimination, bullying, or harassment, this move indicates a clear shift from the previous administration’s approach to transgender individuals.

The Office of the Dean of Students and Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs remain committed to serving as sources for advocacy, resources, and support for all students. This commitment has never been driven by federal directives or guidance, but stems rather from our Catholic, Jesuit mission, which calls us to honor the dignity and humanity of all people and to stand in solidarity with those among us who may be vulnerable to oppression or exclusion.

We are reassuring our community that although the requirements will no longer be enforced at the federal level, we remain committed to the policies we have in place and our institutional mission, both of which fully support Loyola’s transgender, gender-nonconforming, and non-binary students. For example:

  • Loyola’s Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit transgender students from accessing restrooms consistent with their gender identity.
  • The Code of Conduct does prohibit discrimination or misconduct against any person or group of people based on one’s  actual or perceived race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, military or veteran status, parenting status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, in accordance with the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy (§202(3)).
  • All student policies contained in the Community Standards, including the Sexual Misconduct Policy (§202(21)), apply to all students regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender expression or identity.
  • Harassment and bullying of all types are strictly prohibited (§202(14)).

These policies are detailed in full in the Community Standards, which apply to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

We call upon all students to help us demonstrate that ours is a community of care and respect. If you or someone you know is subjected to harassment, intimidation, or any form of misconduct because of who they are, we urge you (or them) to report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Campus Safety, or directly through the University’s EthicsLine reporting hotline. This will help our offices and all our campus partners accomplish our goal of ensuring the safety of everyone.

Very sincerely,

Office of the Dean of Students
Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs