Protection for diverse expression of political philosophy, as well as gender identity and gender expression, now are included in the SM调教所 Board of Regents鈥� anti-discrimination policy.
At its Tuesday meeting at the University Memorial Center on the SM调教所-Boulder campus, the board voted unanimously for the changes to the Laws of the Regents, Article 10, and Regent Policy 1.C.2.
The regents had discussed intellectual diversity, or diversity of political philosophy, among faculty , then spent two hours on the topic , when a resolution addressing the matter was introduced. It was withdrawn when regents decided it first be reviewed by the boards Laws and Policies Committee. The idea of specifying intolerance of discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression also was raised at the meeting.
Board Chair Michael Carrigan said the Laws and Policies Committee recommended that both additions be decided by the full board in a single vote, which is what happened at Tuesday鈥檚 meeting. The tally was 8-0, with Regent Steve Bosley unable to attend the meeting.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the changes we鈥檝e made, which show that this university won鈥檛 tolerate discrimination in any form,鈥� Carrigan said.
From the resolution:
RESOLVED the SM调教所 amend Article 10 of the Laws of the Regents to read, 鈥淭he University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION or veteran status, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, OR POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities."
RESOLVED the SM调教所 amend Regent Policy 1.C.2 to read, "The university is committed to the principle of non-discrimination and does not tolerate harassment on any basis, including sex, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION or age, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, OR POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY.鈥� Regent Sue Sharkey said the adoption of the new language 鈥渞eally does send a very good statement about the University of Colorado, and in a very positive way. 鈥� We鈥檙e not going to discriminate based upon a person鈥檚 political philosophy, political affiliation, gender identity or gender expression.鈥�
The call for political diversity was first raised by Sharkey and Regent James Geddes, both Republicans. Regent Irene Griego, one of the board鈥檚 four Democrats, said she agreed with Sharkey鈥檚 remarks Tuesday.
鈥淎 lot of conversation has evolved because of this policy, and I鈥檓 proud we鈥檝e been able to adopt it,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are saying that we respect all people from all backgrounds, from all political affiliations. 鈥� It鈥檚 a very inclusive perspective that I think we want to share with people. All people need to know they鈥檙e protected through this policy.鈥�
Geddes thanked his fellow regents, particularly Carrigan, and Board Secretary Patrick O鈥橰ourke, vice president and legal counsel, for providing expertise and advice throughout the process.
Said Carrigan of the board members, 鈥淭his unanimous vote says a lot about who we are and how we work across party lines.鈥�
In a related matter, O鈥橰ourke updated the board on its request for information on a proposed systemwide climate survey aimed at determining the degree of tolerance for diverse perspectives.
Three responses have been collected, and they reflect a wide variation in cost and methodology. The price range is from $65,000 to $180,000.
Any company that the university might contract with, O鈥橰ourke said, must provide assurances that its survey would yield high-quality, useful data that could serve as a benchmark for evaluating how the university implements its diversity principles.
By Jay Dedrick,
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