LGBTQ+ Rights

The university is committed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation and veteran status.

The Board of Regents’ policy covers:

• Admission
• Access
• Participation
• Treatment
• Employment in all university programs and activities

In the event of harassment or discrimination, students should contact the campus dean or vice chancellor of students, and faculty and staff should contact their campus Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator or union representative.

Often during college years students reflect on their gender identity and sexuality. For some, this process may result in the discovery that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer +.

For most people the process of “coming out” is a challenging experience. We are exposed daily to the negative reactions, stereotypes, cis-centric and heterosexist bias of the society we in which we live, and it is not unusual to have feelings of fear, isolation, guilt and self-rejection.

However, embracing your gender identity and sexual orientation can also be a positive experience; you may find that your anxiety is replaced by relief, self-acceptance and a sense of liberation. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, māhū, and queer + people have the same rights as others to learn, grow and discover themselves. All members of the UH community are invited to learn about sexuality and gender issues, rights, and resources.

The commission advocates for representation of the interests of LGBTQ+ people on hiring committees, and continues to strive for nondiscrimination and safe working environments for all employees.

The commission continues to be in communication with the Office of the President and makes recommendations on issues relating to LGBTQ+ affairs.

The commission has made the recommendation to add “gender identity and expression” to our UH policy of non-discrimination and continues to advocate for the rights of transgender individuals.

Chosen Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity

The goal is to support students who have a chosen name, such as a Hawaiian name, a name that is concurrent with their gender identity, or a name they prefer to be referred by. The policy also enables a consistent chosen name experience across the University of Hawaiʻi system (UH) and use of one’s chosen name wherever legal name is not absolutely necessary, including within specific information systems and processes.

Chosen Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity

All Inclusive Facilities

University of Hawaiʻi’s (the “University”) commitment to providing a learning and working environment that is safe, accessible, and respectful of all individuals, the University is dedicated to ensuring that restrooms and other facilities support a campus community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and visitors inclusive of their gender identity and/or gender expression. This policy addresses new construction and existing restrooms, showers, locker rooms, changing facilities, and wellness/lactation rooms.