MGH Institute recently expanded its non-discrimination policy to include "gender identity or expression."
BOSTON, MA (PRWeb) February 17, 2007 -- The MGH Institute of Health Professions, a graduate school with post-baccalaureate programs in several allied health fields, recently expanded its non-discrimination policy to include "gender identity or expression."
The MGH Institute has committed itself to creating an inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff, including transgendered individuals. "There's been a growing awareness that our graduates must be prepared to deliver culturally competent care to a wide range of diverse patient populations," says Carolyn Locke, Director of Student Affairs. In 2005, the MGH Institute chartered KinsIHP, at students' urging, to provide a forum for addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students.
The full non-discrimination policy, which was vetted by the administration and approved by the board of trustees' diversity committee, reads, "The MGH Institute of Health Professions does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin. The Institute respects and values the diverse backgrounds of all people and welcomes them to fully participate in campus life."
At least 79 colleges and universities in the U.S. have reported adding protections for transgendered individuals, although fewer than ten in Massachusetts are known to have adopted similar language.
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (www.mghihp.edu), an academic affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital, is an innovative and independent post-baccalaureate school that operates within the framework of Partners HealthCare System. A progressive leader in developing comprehensive models of health care education, the MGH Institute prepares advanced practice professionals in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, medical imaging and clinical investigation through a distinctive combination of academic study, clinical practice and research. An average of nearly 800 students are enrolled in post-baccalaureate degree and certificate programs, with an increasing number of courses available online. The Institute is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
For more information on what other colleges and universities are doing to meet the needs of transgendered individuals, visit www.transgenderlaw.org/college.
[Editors: Our style preference is to not spell out 'MGH' on a first reference to our name, as it incorrectly implies the Institute is a department within the hospital. Alternately, we recommend, "The MGH Institute of Health Professions, an academic affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital…"
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