Loyola University's Acceptance Of Transgender Students

Loyola University Chicago has demonstrated its commitment to supporting and advocating for its transgender students in several ways. The university has a preferred name policy, allowing students to use their chosen name in many circumstances on campus. They also have a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits discrimination or misconduct based on gender identity and allows transgender students to access restrooms consistent with their gender identity. Loyola University Chicago also offers resources and support through offices like the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and student-led groups like Rainbow Connection. However, there have been concerns about confusing information regarding gender-inclusive housing and the number of accessible gender-neutral restrooms on campus. Overall, while Loyola does a decent job of accommodating transgender students, there are still areas where they can improve to create a more inclusive environment.

Loyola University's transgender-inclusive policies

Loyola University has a number of transgender-inclusive policies in place. The university's Student Code of Conduct explicitly permits transgender students to use restrooms that align with their gender identity. This policy is in accordance with the university's Non-Discrimination Policy, which prohibits discrimination or misconduct based on gender identity, among other characteristics. The university's website affirms that "all non-discrimination and harassment policies include sexual orientation and gender identity". Loyola University also includes gender identity in its institutional Core Values statement on diversity, consistent with its affirmation of the diversity of human experience and the dignity of all persons.

The university has also implemented a "preferred name" policy, allowing students to use their chosen name in many circumstances on campus, including in the university's online registration and records portal, class and grade rosters, and email system. This policy was implemented in response to initiatives from transgender students and campus groups, such as the Gender Exploration Understanding Support Society.

Loyola University offers a range of resources and support services for transgender students. The Pride Resource Room (PRR) is a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ students and allies, offering opportunities to relax, study, and attend meetings. The university also provides LGBTQ+-sensitive counselling services through its Counseling Centre, promoting a healthy and inclusive community.

In terms of housing, Loyola University strives to provide a safe and affirming living environment for all students. The Housing Application offers opportunities to find affirming roommates and create gender-inclusive roommate pairings. The Office of Residence Life and Housing works individually with students to address any unique concerns and find suitable room assignments.

The university also demonstrates its commitment to transgender inclusion through its participation in events such as IgnatianQ, a yearly conference that brings together the LGBTQPIA+ community at Jesuit universities across the US. Loyola University also has a LGBTQPIA+ Peer Mentorship Program and various student organisations supporting LGBTQ+ students, such as Spectrum and the LGBTQ+ Experience.

Student groups and resources for transgender students

Loyola University Maryland has a range of student groups and resources for transgender students. The university sends a student delegation to IgnatianQ, a yearly conference for LGBTQPIA+ students and allies at Jesuit universities across the US. Loyola also has an LGBTQPIA+ Peer Mentorship Program, a weekly support group called In, Out, & In Between, and Prism, a QPOC support group. There is also a recognised student organisation called Spectrum, which supports LGBTQ+ undergraduate students, allies, and friends.

The Pride Resource Room (PRR) is a space for LGBTQPIA+ students and allies to relax, study, hang out with friends, or attend meetings with Spectrum or the LGBTQ+ Experience. The lounge has a couch, comfortable chairs, and a TV.

The Division of Student Development supports LGBTQ+ students through funding for Spectrum. Students also have access to the support and services of the Women's Center, Counseling Center, and Student Health and Education Services. The Counseling Center is an affirming and confidential space for LGBTQ+ services, promoting a healthy and inclusive community through relationship-building, education, crisis intervention, and support. The university's student health insurance policy covers services for transgender students.

Loyola University Chicago also has a range of resources and support for transgender students. The university launched a "Preferred Name" policy in 2019, allowing students to use their preferred name in many circumstances on campus. The university's Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit transgender students from accessing restrooms consistent with their gender identity. The university's Center for Diversity and Inclusion advocates for transgender students, offering programs and resources aimed at uplifting the transgender population. The Wellness Center also offers a helpful assortment of off-campus, community-based resources for transgender students. Student-led groups like Rainbow Connection and the Student Government of Loyola Chicago also promote equity for transgender students on campus.

Transgender healthcare at Loyola University

Loyola's Commitment to Transgender Students

Loyola University is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for its transgender students. The university's values are steeped in the Jesuit tradition of being “people for and with others”, and this perspective brings with it an obligation to address anything that goes against its history of being a place for all people. Loyola's Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit transgender students from accessing restrooms consistent with their gender identity, and it prohibits any discrimination or misconduct based on gender identity, in accordance with the University's Non-Discrimination Policy.

Healthcare Services

The University Student Insurance Policy covers services for transgender students. The insurance provider is United Healthcare, and students can enrol through Student Health Services. Loyola's Wellness Centre also offers off-campus, community-based resources, but currently, only one medical resource is listed. Loyola's Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is an excellent resource for transgender students, offering programs and resources aimed at uplifting the transgender population.

Support and Advocacy

The Office of the Dean of Students and Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (SDMA) at Loyola remain committed to serving as sources of advocacy, resources, and support for all students. This commitment stems from the university's Catholic, Jesuit mission, which calls for honouring the dignity and humanity of all people. The university also has an LGBTQPIA+ Peer Mentorship Program, a weekly support group called "In, Out, & In Between", and Prism, a QPOC support group. The Counseling Center is also an affirming and confidential space for LGBTQ+ services, promoting a healthy and inclusive community through relationship-building, education, crisis intervention, and support.

Preferred Name Policy

Loyola University has introduced a "Preferred Name" policy, allowing students to use their preferred name in many circumstances on campus. Students can add a preferred name on LOCUS (Loyola's online registration and records portal), and this will then appear in various university systems such as class and grade rosters, and the Outlook email system.

Gender-Neutral Facilities

Loyola University strives to make its facilities inclusive for all students. Any member of the Loyola community may use the facilities that best match their gender identity, including restrooms, locker rooms, and residence halls. There are also gender-neutral bathrooms available, with 27 "unisex" facilities listed on the CDI website. However, there seems to be conflicting information about the number of gender-neutral bathrooms, with a press release from the Facilities Department listing 106 such bathrooms across all three of Loyola's campuses.

Room Assignment and Housing

The Office of Residence Life and Housing at Loyola strives to provide a safe and affirming living environment for all students. The Housing Application provides opportunities to help LGBTQPIA+ students find affirming roommates, and students can also choose their roommates. The application also allows for gender-inclusive roommate pairings, where students can find roommates who have signed the All-Gender Housing Agreement.

Gender-neutral housing and restrooms

Loyola University Maryland includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its non-discrimination policy. The university's Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit transgender students from accessing restrooms consistent with their gender identity. All student policies contained in the Community Standards, including the Sexual Misconduct Policy, apply to all students regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender expression or identity.

The university's housing application provides several opportunities to help LGBTQIA+ students find affirming roommates. All students are provided the opportunity in the roommate questionnaire to declare that they are LGBTQIA+ friendly. Students who answer "yes" to this question are matched with each other. The housing application also allows students to create gender-inclusive roommate pairings, where they can find roommates who have reviewed the All-Gender Housing Information and signed the All-Gender Housing Agreement.

Loyola University Chicago's Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit transgender students from accessing restrooms consistent with their gender identity. The Code of Conduct prohibits discrimination or misconduct against any person or group based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Loyola University Chicago has gender-neutral restrooms in the following locations:

• Damen Student Center 1st floor – Adjacent to the Food Court (ADA Accessible)
• Damen Student Center 1st floor – Gentile Hall of Fame (ADA Accessible)
• Damen Student Center 1st floor – Halas, 2 private accommodations (ADA Accessible w/showers)
• IC/Cudahy Library – Basement, adjacent to the lower level of the stacks
• Cudahy Science Hall 2nd Floor - Located on the right wall directly next to women's restrooms
• Cudahy Science Hall 3rd Floor – Located on the right wall directly next to women's restrooms
• Coffey Hall – Room 108 (ADA Accessible)
• Mundelein Center – Rooms 156, 422, 717 (ADA Accessible)
• Cuneo Hall – Room 005 – Adjacent to the Elevators (ADA Accessible)
• Madonna Della Strada Chapel – Adjacent to the side entrances closest to the lake
• San Francisco Hall – Behind Engrained, right next to Sad Francisco Desk
• De Nobili Hall – Across from the De Nobili Dining Hall Entrance
• Mertz Hall – First Floor Lounge (Must have student access to this building in order to use)
• Messina Hall – Bottom floor near the reception desk (Must have student access to this building in order to use)
• Fordham Hall – Behind Fordham Desk (Must have student access to this building in order to use)
• Fairfield Hall – One on either side of the Fairfield Lounge located between Fairfield A&B (Must have student access to this building in order to use)
• Terry Student Center 1st floor – Adjacent to the Elevators (ADA Accessible)
• Schreiber Center 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th floors – near women’s restrooms (ADA Accessible)
• Corboy Law Center 4th floor

Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, provides housing to both freshmen and upper-division students. The freshmen housing is arranged in a communal pod fashion with gender-neutral bathrooms to allow for flexibility for both gender-inclusive and gender-specific wings.

Loyola University's response to anti-trans rhetoric

Loyola University has demonstrated its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for its transgender students, responding to the rise of anti-trans rhetoric with a range of policies and initiatives. The university's response is grounded in its Jesuit values, which emphasise the care of the whole person and respect for individual needs. This commitment to supporting transgender students is evident in several ways.

Firstly, the university has implemented a "preferred name" policy, allowing students to use their chosen name in most university systems and records. This policy, launched in 2019, was a direct result of initiatives by transgender students and campus groups, who highlighted the importance of being able to use their preferred name without the need for a legal name change. The policy has been well-received by students, who appreciate the ease and comfort it provides.

Secondly, Loyola University has inclusive housing policies. The Housing Application provides several opportunities for LGBTQ+ students to find affirming roommates. Students who identify as LGBTQ+ friendly are matched with each other, and there is also an option for gender-inclusive roommate pairings. The Office of Residence Life and Housing strives to provide a safe and affirming living environment for all students, recognising the importance of an inclusive space, especially for those with diverse gender identities.

Thirdly, the university offers a range of support services and resources specifically for transgender and LGBTQ+ students. This includes the Pride Resource Room (PRR), a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to relax, study, and attend meetings. The university also has LGBTQ+ student organisations, such as Spectrum and the LGBTQ+ Experience, which provide support and community for undergraduate students. Additionally, the Counseling Centre offers LGBTQ-sensitive counselling services, promoting a healthy and inclusive community through relationship-building, education, and crisis intervention.

Furthermore, Loyola University has taken steps to ensure that transgender students have access to appropriate healthcare services. The student health insurance policy covers services for transgender students, recognising the unique and complex needs of transgender healthcare.

In addition to these initiatives, the university also includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its non-discrimination policies. The university's Code of Conduct prohibits discrimination, misconduct, harassment, and bullying based on gender identity and sexual orientation, among other protected characteristics.

Despite these efforts, there have been reports of incidents targeting the transgender community on campus, such as the misuse of menstrual products in men's restrooms. In response, the university has encouraged students to come together to support each other and foster a community of care and respect.

While Loyola University has made significant strides in supporting its transgender students, there is still room for improvement. Conflicting information about the number and location of gender-neutral restrooms on campus, for example, has caused confusion and indicates a need for better communication and clarity regarding available resources.

Overall, Loyola University's response to anti-trans rhetoric has been largely positive, with the university implementing policies and initiatives that uphold the rights and dignity of transgender students. However, there is a continued need for active engagement, clarity, and consistent reevaluation of resources to ensure true inclusivity.

Frequently asked questions