by Arthur Hall (Jamaica Observer) A major row is developing at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) over a proposed new gender policy which will require everyone connected to the regional institution to be referred to by the gender with which they identify.
The new policy focuses on a person’s gender identity — cisgender, transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, genderqueer, among others; rather than their sexual orientation — heterosexual, homosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, same-sex loving, same-gender loving, women-loving women, men-loving men — among others.
It is said to be designed to foster a secure environment in which all students and staff members, across the spectrum of gender and sexual identities, on all campuses feel protected and safe from any form of gender-related violence and create living, working and learning environments across the university which provide for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
But Jamaica Observer sources say a group of Christian lecturers are objecting to the proposed policy and are planning protest actions while not ruling out taking the matter to court.
