The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Equality
The University of Texas takes equality for all very seriously, and student-athletes are no exception. Texas received an outstanding score on the Athlete Equality Index from AthleteAlly.org (ranked #1 in the Big 12 Conference based on a combination of eight variables).
The Athletic Equality Index was developed as a way to measure LGBTQ inclusion policies and practices in collegiate athletic spaces. Launched in 2017 and updated in 2019, this first-of-its-kind report provides a comprehensive look at how member programs of the NCAA Power Five conferences are supporting their LGBTQ student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and fans.
To do this, a scale was developed that scored the implementation and accessibility of six (6) critical LGBTQ-inclusive policies and best practices.
1. Nondiscrimination Policy:
“It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin ("University") to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy[1], age, disability, citizenship, veteran status and genetic information. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.”
2. Transgender Inclusion Policy:
“The purpose of this resource is to provide guidance to NCAA athletic programs about how to ensure transgender student-athletes fair, respectful, and legal access to collegiate sports teams based on current medical and legal knowledge. It provides best practice and policy recommendations for intercollegiate athletic programs to provide transgender student-athletes with fair and equal opportunities to participate. In addition to specific policy recommendations for college athletics, the resource provides guidance for implementing these policies to ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of transgender student-athletes as well as their teammates. Specific best practice recommendations are provided for athletic administrators, coaches, student-athletes and the media.” The University of Texas at Austin Athletics Department supports these guidelines. Should any questions arise, please contact the Executive Assistant to the Athletics Director Office directly.
·NCAA Transgender Inclusion
·Transgender Inclusion: University of Texas Gender and Sexuality Center
·Gender Identity and Student-Athlete Participation Summit Final Report
- Phone: 512.471.3515
- CMHC Crisis Line : (512) 471-CALL (2255) (UT Austin students only)
3. Sexual Misconduct Policy:
“The University of Texas at Austin (“University”) is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination based on sex in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act). Sex discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), and stalking will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.”
·UT Title IX: Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex/Gender
·Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking
4. Fan Code of Conduct:
“Texas Athletics is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans, staff, players and coaches. Texas Athletics and the Big 12 Conference value sportsmanship, both on and off the field and in the stands. Texas is committed to providing a safe environment for all student-athletes, coaches and officials and a fun, entertaining atmosphere for all fans, free from disorderly behavior, including foul, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, obscene or abusive language or gestures.”
·Fan Code of Conduct
·University of Texas at Austin Student Standards of Conduct and Academic Integrity
5. Staff Training:
“The work of allyship is an ongoing process of learning and advocating for affirmation of LGBTQIA+ people. Allyship is practiced both by people who don’t identify as LGBTQIA+ and by LGBTQIA+ people who advocate across communities. People of all identities are invited and encouraged to attend workshops. All persons of all races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, sexualities, and religions are welcome.”
·Becoming an Ally in Action
·Allies in Action Participants
·Common Ground makes strides at University of Texas at Austin
·Implicit Bias and Moral Licensing
6. Student-Athlete Training:
·DDCE Gender and Sexuality Training and Workshops
·DDCE Gender and Sexuality Student Group Affiliates
·Longhorn Pride Alliance (Student-Athlete Organization)