Gender Recognition and Lived Name

Gender Recognition and Lived Name (GRLN)

Gender identity is fundamentally personal, and the University of California should ensure that all individuals have university-issued identification documents and displays of personal identification information that recognize their accurate gender identity and lived name (first name, middle name and/or last name or surname). As a public research university, the collection of gender identity data is necessary for federal reporting and assessing gender equity. As such, this policy also provides guidance on the collection and reporting of gender identity, lived name and sexual orientation. For more information please see the Gender Recognition and Lived Name Policy.

Under the UC GRLN policy, UC Berkeley will ensure that faculty, staff and learners:

  • Have at least three gender options to choose from in UC information systems – woman, man and nonbinary.

  • May request that their lived name be used in the UC system in all settings and situations that do not require their legal name.

  • Have an efficient process for all, including alumni and affiliates, to retroactively amend their gender designations and lived names on UC-issued documents and in information systems.

How does OPHD fit in with the GRLN Policy?

OPHD upholds the university’s policies that prohibit discrimination against or harassment of any person at the University on the basis of a protected category. These policies apply to all aspects of University participation, e.g., admission, employment, access, and treatment in University programs and activities. Reports on gender based harassment or discrimination such as misgendering or non compliance with one's lived name can be made using OPHD’s online reporting form 

More information can be found on the Gender Recognition and Lived Name Policy page.

Addressing deadnaming and misgendering

UC employees and students should be addressed by their lived name and chosen pronouns. Deliberate/persistent deadnaming or misgendering can be reported to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). OPHD can formally investigate complaints and/or offer supportive measures, depending on the situation.

Gender-Inclusive Restrooms

What is a Gender Inclusive Restroom? A restroom usable by persons of all gender identities. 

What is Gender Identity? The gender(s), if any, with which a person identifies. An individual’s gender is their gender identity, which can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. 

Facilities Services provides a map and list of gender-inclusive restrooms on the UC Berkeley campus. You can also find information about getting gender-inclusive restrooms, including the UC Office of the President Policy RD4.1: Providing Gender Inclusive Facilities on their website.

Information about the ongoing process to provide restroom facilities that serve the needs of all community members campus can be found on the Gender Equity Resource Center (GenEq) website

Transgender and Gender Diverse Student-Athletes

The NCAA Board of Governors Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy supports a sport-by-sport approach to transgender participation. Intercollegiate Athletics maintains a Cal Athletics Inclusion Statement and information about Transgender and Gender Diverse Participationin Intercollegiate Athletics

Reporting Discrimination and Harassment Based on Gender Identity

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity, in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal financial assistance. 

You may report alleged discrimination on the basis of gender identity to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) in any of the following ways: 

Please visit the OPHD Reporting webpage for more information. Our office can also offer supportive measures and resources.

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