Deakin University becoming LGBTIQ+ leader offering paid gender transition leave
DEAKIN University will be the first Australian university to launch paid leave to support staff undergoing a gender transition.
The new policy will be announced to the university’s 4700 staff today.
Chief operating officer Kean Selway said Deakin considered staff diversity as a great strength and a valued asset to its community.
“Deakin is committed to diversity in the higher education sector and we recognise the rights of our LGBTIQ+ staff to live and work free of prejudice and discrimination, with all the essential freedoms enjoyed by other members of our university community and the broader population,” Mr Selway said.
“A gender transition usually includes social, medical and legal aspects and staff have told us that this can be a particularly difficult and challenging time.
“That’s why Deakin is now the first university in Australia to provide up to 10 days paid leave to support staff undergoing a gender transition.
“Under Deakin’s existing leave provisions, all staff experiencing exceptionally difficult personal circumstances can, with the support of management, apply for ‘special leave’ directly to the Vice-Chancellor.”
Mr Selway said that until now, that was the only option for people undergoing a gender transition, and that Deakin recognised the need for a specific leave entitlement.
“The paid leave is backed by a new gender transition policy which provides security and clarity around the process for Deakin staff who are undergoing a gender transition,” Mr Selway said.
“Fostering a genuinely inclusive environment affords all our staff and students a sense of belonging and an equal chance of success whether it be through study or work.”
The policy is considered a significant step forward in Deakin’s ambition to be a leading LGBTIQ+ inclusive educator and employer.
Deakin developed the policy with input from Transgender Victoria, Trans-Medical Research from the University of Melbourne and Pride in Diversity — a national not-for-profit employer support program.
Deakin launched its LGBTIQ+ 2017-2020 Plan last year.