Policy prohibits ‘sexual orientation’ prejudice
The phrase "sexual orientation" was added back into the university-wide
non-discrimination policy that prohibits discrimination against students,
faculty and staff at JMU on Aug. 24.
The policy (No. 1302) states "James Madison University does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender,
age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or disability
(in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect
to employment or admissions, or in connection with its programs or activities."
Sources were unavailable to comment when and why the phrase was taken
out of the policy.
The phrase was put back into the policy by JMU President Linwood Rose
for a number of reasons. "There is ample evidence that sexual orientation
is frequently a basis for discrimination," said Christine Robinson,
sociology and interdisciplinary liberal studies professor. "Having
such a policy sends a message to the university that this kind of discrimination
will not be tolerated at JMU. It also makes it possible for those who
feel they have been discriminated on this basis to have a means of redress.
Only by having this term in the policy can the university provide a formal
means of recourse if someone is discriminated against."
Several people and groups have worked to help bring this phrase to the
attention of the administration. "Cynthia Giliatt deserves credit
for drafting a resolution to present before the Faculty Senate in the
spring of 2004, where they overwhelmingly supported the change,"
Robinson said. "Many individual members of the SGA have been working
on this issue as well; they overwhelmingly supported the creation of a
Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transvestite Resource Center at JMU."
The Student Government Association passed "The Student Bill of Rights
and Responsibilities" last year, which stated all students have rights
at JMU no matter what their race, color, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
"It’s wonderful that our teachers are reassured that they won’t
be fired because of who they love," said senior JohnAlex Golden,
SGA vice president of academic affairs.
Robinson said, "This kind of commitment to fairness makes me proud to work at JMU. Unfortunately, this kind of policy is still the exception rather than the rule in most institutions of higher education and workplaces in the United States."
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