This afternoon, the Missouri State University Board of Governors voted in favor, 6-1, of amending the university’s nondiscrimination policy for both students and employees to include gender identity and gender expression. 

Other categories that they voted in favor to add include marital status, family status, pregnancy and genetic information. The policy already protects students and employees based on sexual orientation. The updated policy applies to students, faculty, and staff of all Missouri State University campuses.

In June of 2014 the University of Missouri Board of Curators voted in favor of adding gender identity and gender expression to their nondiscrimination policy. This decision impacted University of Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Steph Perkins, PROMO Interim Executive Director and resident of Springfield, said, “We are thrilled that Missouri State University, my alma mater, has taken this intentional step to ensure the safety and support of ALL of their students, faculty, and staff, including those who are transgender.” Perkins added, “Following the repeal of Springfield’s nondiscrimination ordinance in April, we have seen a surge of businesses and organizations take public steps to affirm the local LGBT community. We are proud that MSU is one of those entities.”