Goal 5 / 5.6 / 5.6.2
Does your university as a body have a policy of non-discrimination for transgender people?
5.6.2 Does your university as a body have a policy of non-discrimination for transgender people?
Transgender Equality policy
Ahlia University celebrates and values the diversity and inclusivity of its students, faculty and staff, and is resolute in applying equitable treatment to all students and employees. AU is committed to providing a learning and working environment for its community members that is free from discrimination and harassment.
In accordance with its values, and as required by federal and state law, AU maintains policies and procedures designed to protect students, faculty and staff from discrimination and harassment. AU recognizes gender identity and gender expression to be among the protected classes within AU policies including, but not limited to, the Human Rights Policy. AU recognizes and values differences between an individual’s assigned gender and gender identity and gender expression, and prohibits discrimination against people on the grounds of one’s identity of Trans*, intersex, or any process of gender transition. For purposes of this Statement and all AU policies, Trans* is an umbrella term that can be used’ to include people who identify as non-binary, gender non-confirming, gender expansive as well as transgender, transsexual, transman, transwoman and other identities not itemized ’[1].
AU works collaboratively with the entire University community in furtherance of these principles, and encourages anyone experiencing any form of discrimination or harassment to submit a report via the University’s Bias Reporting contact the Human Rights Center at AU in the web site.
Principle 3: Fairness
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Staff-Handbook_June2021_WEB_4.pdf
○ Definition
♦ Fairness refers to the equitable treatment of different people, or groups, conforming to a consistent set of standards. Employees are entitled to expect fair treatment at Ahlia and are expected to treat others fairly. That also requires employees to conduct Ahlia operational so that Ahlia reputation for fair dealings is sustained and enhanced.
Equity and diversity policy of Ahlia University
Over the past four decades, the nation has seen an explosion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activism, now touching nearly every college campus. Yet, far too many people still encounter discrimination based on their individual sexual identity, gender identity, and/or gender expression.
The Equity and diversity policy of Ahlia University protects students and university staff from discrimination, committing to maintain equity amongst its diverse community, in this case mainly regardless of the sexual decision of a person as part of the university community. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect in accordance with.
As a higher educational institution Ahlia University is committed to maintain equity amongst its diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect in accordance with the following definitions:
Diversity:
Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences amongst the members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of factors that span age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origins, language, family status, marital status, race, religious or spiritual belief, gender, socio-economic circumstances, and taste.
Equity:
A standard of treatment of people that involves reasonable efforts to ensure fairness in decisions impacting all members of the university community. However, equitable treatment does not necessary mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.
I. Equity and diversity among the student body is as follows:
Ahlia University believes that all students, regardless of color, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education. Admission to Ahlia University is selective based on prior academic achievement. The most qualified candidates -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- will be selected to fill the available places. In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learnıng environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- . based on principles of fairness and equity.
II. Equity and diversity among staff is as follows:
Ahlia strives to treat its staff fairly by maintaining a healthy, safe and productive work environment which is free from discrimination based on any other factor that is unrelated to Ahlia legitimate interests. Ahlia shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity ın the work environment. Harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited. Committed to applying an effective recruitment policy that is based on the principles of equity and fairness, and equal employment opportunity, Ahlia shall ensure to identify, efficiently and effectively, the right candidates for vacancies in Ahlia and recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit. Supervisors and managers are expected to ensure that work-related decisions regarding task allocation, compensation, performance evaluations, the administration of Ahlia benefits et. al. reflect principles of fairness and equity.
Directorate of Admission & Registration
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/directorate-of-admission-registration/
Ahlia has a "Directorate of Admission & Registration", which is created to carry out the entire process for students, from their application for admission, their admission and their subsequent graduation.
For this case, specifically, it is in charge of analyzing the applications, entries and participation of women in the University.
As Directorate of Admission and Registration, its main objective is to welcome applications from all students regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality or physical or learning disability. Admission to AU is based on merit, where there are a limited number of places available for each program, considering the measurement of both men and women, to seek the equality between them.
Admission Policy
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/admission-policy/
Initially, a student who wishes to enter Ahlia University must take into account its admission policy, which states that:
Ahlia University offers high quality education which aspires to produce graduates who are distinguished by their professional competence, humanistic outlook and uncompromising ethics. The main aim of the admission policy of Ahlia University is to offer admission to students based on academic achievements; regardless of race, colour, gender, nationality, sect or disability.
Ahlia University admission policy is responsible for ensuring the following:
’ Selecting students based on their academic ability and potential
’ Providing students with accurate, transparent and consistent information
’ Using appropriate methods to select suitable students for their chosen programme
’ Selecting students that are committed and self disciplined
’ Compliance with Ahlia University programmes entry requirements does not necessary entitles applicants for admission; the university reserves the right to accept or reject applicants based on the university’s rules and regulation.
Ahlia University admission policy complies with the Bahraini Ministry of Education, Higher Education Council rules and regulations affecting the admission of students and credits transfer. The admission policy is reviewed by the Admission and Exemption Committe. Any changes proposed by the Admission and Exemption Committee require approval from the University Council. Ahlia provides an online mechanism to access the Counseling by completing the following form to request an appointment online.
Admission Policy
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Admission-Policy-from-the-student-guide.pdf
1. Introduction
Ahlia University (AU) offers high quality education designed to produce graduates who are distinguished by their professional competence, uncompromising ethics and responsible global citizenship.
Applications are welcomed from all students regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, nationality or physical or specific learning disabilities. Admission to AU is selective and competitive based on academic achievements, and up to the limits of available seats as determined by the university.
2. Inclusiveness and Diversity
In line with Ahlia University’s core values which include inclusiveness, the University is committed to widening access and participation through outreach and financial aid. Admission is purely based on merit whereby AU strives to ensure a clear, fair, and equitable admission process, that leads to diversity, and equal opportunity for all learners.
3. Disability and Special Needs
Ahlia University welcomes students with disability and special needs to any program offered. Students with disability and special needs are identified as students with physical or specific learning/invisible disabilities that require additional support and care, in order to reach their full academic potential. Examples include, but are not limited to, hearing and vision impairment, limited motor skills, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and limitations in executive functioning.
Applicants are required to officially declare their disability or special need during the application stage by filling in the relevant section in the application form.
4. Selection and Offers
Ahlia University operates a clear and transparent framework for application, selection, and admission. The Deanship of Student Affairs is responsible for overseeing the selection and offer process via a centralized and dedicated constituent directorate. The Directorate of Admission and Registration is responsible for all operational aspects of the process and provides advice and support to prospective students. The selection and offer process is conducted in partnership with the academic departments in all colleges.
The admission policy is designed to ensure the following:
- Selecting motivated students based on their academic ability and potential
- Providing students with accurate, transparent, consistent and timely information
- Using appropriate methods to select suitable students for their chosen program
- Selecting students that are committed and self-disciplined
An admission offer to Ahlia University is contingent on the applicant demonstrating sufficient academic preparation and potential for success.
Equal Opportunity
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Since inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunity and women empowerment. This is manifest in the University’s core values: Excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement.
Equal Opportunity Plan
Equal Opportunity Plan Aims:
’ To promote the principle of equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design that achieves coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework within the context of multilevel (international, nationally, organisational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ To empower women by integrating their needs in development programmes.
’ To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
’ To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
’ To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.
’ Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalization of practice.
’ Create a centralized advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalize practice
’ Employ a targeted approach vis-’-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programs to redress gender imbalance issues
’ Leverage partnerships for knowledge sharing and exchange of best practice in the areas of equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ Organize conferences/symposia with a focus on equal opportunity and/or women topics
’ Develop a common understanding and framework with local and international partners on topics related to equal opportunity and women in STEM
’ Champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events.
’ Plan and organize women-focused events for students and staff
’ Develop gender-responsive policies that foster work-life balance and life-long learning
’ Develop and utilize data collection instruments to gauge and measure awareness/impact
Copyright 2024 © All rights Reserved. Ahlia University
