News and Events => Education news => Topic started by: Jessica_Rose on July 31, 2026, 07:12:59 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Univ of AL abandons sexual orientation & gender identity nondiscrimination
Post by: Jessica_Rose on July 31, 2026, 07:12:59 PM
University of Alabama quietly abandons sexual orientation & gender identity nondiscrimination policy

https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/alabama-university-sexual-orientation-discrimination

Jacob Ogles (31 July 2026)

The University of Alabama system quietly erased explicit protections for LGBTQ+ people from its nondiscrimination policy.

The change, first reported by The Crimson White, appears to have been made sometime in November 2025, according to archived versions of the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Program pages for the system and its campuses in Birmingham and Huntsville. The pages previously listed "sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression" as protected categories, language that remains visible in documents hosted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

University officials told the student newspaper that the change was made to comply with federal law, particularly current federal interpretations of Title VII and Title IX.

University officials maintain that enforcement of the system's nondiscrimination rules has not changed and described the new language as an "administrative change."
Title: Re: Univ of AL abandons sexual orientation & gender identity nondiscrimination
Post by: Lori Dee on July 31, 2026, 10:25:27 PM
Quote from: Jessica_Rose on Yesterday at 07:12:59 PMThe pages previously listed "sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression" as protected categories, language that remains visible in documents hosted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

University officials told the student newspaper that the change was made to comply with federal law, particularly current federal interpretations of Title VII and Title IX.

The law, Titles VII and IX, do not require such a change in policy. Neither law mentions "sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression" at all. Federal Law is the bare minimum standard requirement. States have full authority to add to the laws, so long as they meet or exceed the minimum standard.

The University, like many institutions, is cowering out of fear of losing the almighty tax dollar.

My civil rights are not for sale!