LaGuardia Faculty and Staff,
There are some important developments impacting our institution and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus and beyond.
In her 2022 State of the State agenda, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to expand the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) to require all public-facing state agencies, including CUNY and SUNY colleges, that collect gender or sex information to provide an option for members of the public to mark “X” when identifying their gender during an interaction with a state agency. This proposal was passed in the FY23 Enacted State Budget.
The GRA requires that New York State-issued driver’s licenses, state IDs, and birth certificates provide M, F, and X options. The Gender “X” marker and self-attestation for driver’s licenses became effective June 24, 2022.
The expansion of the GRA creates compliance requirements for CUNY and its institutions relative to our public-facing data collection. Compliance is required by January 1, 2023. Specifically, CUNY institutions must provide an option for members of the public to Mark “X” when identifying their gender. This applies to both physical and electronic forms, and is not just limited to current and prospective students, faculty or staff, but any member of the public CUNY interacts with (e.g., respondents to a job listing).
Background
In June 2021, the Gender Recognition Act was signed into law in New York State, allowing New Yorkers the option of using an “X” gender marker on state driver’s licenses and marking an important step toward ensuring that all New York State residents can accurately express their gender identity on state identification documents. But while many different State agencies collect information about gender or sex, the GRA as originally enacted did not extend the “X” marker requirement beyond driver’s licenses. Governor Hochul’s expansion of the GRA remedies that.
Moving Forward
We should all keep in mind that gender identity and expression is a subject that is continually evolving, and this guidance may be updated to reflect new developments and best practices.
Wendy Nicholson, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is available to provide information and resources in support of LaGuardia’s DEI efforts and the college community. In addition, all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to utilize other on-campus resources including:
Sincerely,
Kenneth Adams
President, LaGuardia Community College