POLICY ON RESPECT, NON-DISCRIMINATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

POLICY ON RESPECT, NON-DISCRIMINATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

I. Objective

This policy is crafted to establish a non-discriminatory environment for all members of the community, including those who identify as transgender, while firmly grounding the institution's understanding of the human person in the Catholic intellectual tradition, as affirmed in Pope Francis's Catechesis, particularly on the theme of "Male and Female He Created Them" (Genesis 1:27).

II. Scope

This policy establishes the standards for non-discrimination and inclusion based on an individual’s sex and gender identity across all facets of the University community.

III. Definition

• Sex: Refers to the biological differences between males and females.

• Gender Identity: An individual’s deeply held, internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or another gender, which may or may not correspond to the individual's sex assigned at birth. This includes individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming.

• Sex segregation: The physical or legal separation of people based on their biological sex (male or female).

• Gender Expression: The external appearance of one's gender, as expressed through mannerisms, dress, behavior, and voice.

• Gender Dysphoria: Refers to the clinically significant distress or unease a person experiences because of a marked incongruence between a deeply felt gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.

IV. Reference

• Pope Francis's Catechesis on "Male and Female He Created Them."

• Republic Act No. 11313, the Safe Spaces Act.

V. Guidelines

1. This policy is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching on the inherent dignity of the human person being created in the image and likeness of God. It affirms the conviction, drawn from the foundational text referenced by Pope Francis in his Catechesis, that "Male and female he created them" (Gen 1:27). The University upholds that sexual difference is a fundamental and complementary gift of the created order, integrating the biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of the person.

2. The University is committed to foster a welcoming community and unequivocally rejects unjust discrimination against any student, faculty, or staff member. All members of the academic community, including those who experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender, must be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity, as called for by the Church’s pastoral guidelines.

3. The University will not unjustly discriminate in its admissions, employment, or educational programs based on gender identity. Decisions regarding acceptance, hiring, promotion, or termination must be based on an individual’s qualifications, performance, and ability to uphold the University’s vision and mission and standards.

4. Harassment, intimidation, or violence directed toward any person based on their self-understanding or expression of gender is a violation of respect to human dignity and University standards and will be addressed through appropriate disciplinary procedures.

5. The University is committed to provide genuine pastoral, spiritual, and psychological support to individuals who experience struggle with their gender identity or dysphoria through the campus ministry and counseling services who will offer confidential, mission-aligned support that is both compassionate toward the individual and faithful to Catholic teaching on human anthropology.

6. Consistent with the University’s affirmation of sexual difference as part of the created order, official, permanent University records (such as transcripts, degree certificates, and formal personnel files) will maintain the individual's legal name and biological sex at birth, unless a change has been legally certified.

7. In respecting the dignity and privacy of all members of the university’s academic community, and in adherence to the Catholic understanding of sexual difference washrooms/restrooms and dormitories will be sex-segregated based on an individual’s biological sex.

VI. ADMINISTRATION

The Human Resource Office in coordination with the unit heads is responsible for the administration and implementation of this policy.