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Policy Adopted on : 2011
Last Updated on : 2021

AMRITA University firmly believes in the rights of all human beings regardless of their gender. In addition to AMRITA’s general policies and procedures on non-discrimination based on gender, these guidelines aim to address specific challenges faced by transgender persons so as to prevent and eliminate any systemic inequality faced by them. AMRITA also aims to provide a culture of equity, so that each person can grow in a conducive environment irrespective of how they identify themselves.

Definition

According to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019, a transgender person can be defined as a person whose gender does not match the gender assigned to that person at birth. It includes trans-man or trans-woman, person with intersex variations, genderqueer and persons having such socio-cultural identities as Kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta.

Principles

AMRITA aims to create inclusive education opportunities and environment for transgender persons, where their rights are identified and respected. We want to provide a system of education wherein transgender students learn together with other students without fear of discrimination, neglect, harassment or intimidation. We are committed to providing a system of teaching and learning that is suitably adapted to meet the needs of such students.

As stated in AMRITA’s general policies and procedures on non-discrimination based on gender, AMRITA has a zero-tolerance policy on gender harassment, which includes any conduct creating an unpleasant or offensive, hostile, or intimidating environment for transgender persons. Any discrimination faced by transgender persons whether as students, staff or employees, at all levels, will be dealt with sternly.

No student or staff will be treated any less favorably than any other on the grounds of their gender identity, including in relation to the admission process, learning and teaching system, award of research grants, accommodation, safety and health issues, and disciplinary processes.

All staff members must ensure that their conduct with students, visitors and fellow employees is of accepted social, moral, ethical and social norms. Any act contrary will be dealt with sternly.

Supporting staff and students

We understand that identifying as a transgender person in a world still adjusting can be very challenging and mentally exhausting.

We encourage any student, staff, or employee-facing any challenge or have any question regarding the same, to reach out to us. We are committed to providing support to the best of our abilities.

AMRITA set up several committees to facilitate the reporting of any incident of harassment, discrimination, or any related matter. The contact of the complaint committees can be found here: https://www.amrita.edu/grievance

The committees will undertake inquiries with regard to complaints, ensuring that complaints are kept confidential to the extent necessary and that adequate protection is provided to the person reporting discrimination.

Transgender Clinic at AIMS Health Sciences Campus

In January 2017, a Transgender Clinic was established within the Department of Psychiatry of AIMS Health Sciences Campus, where individuals who feel they need a place where they will not be judged will be able to openly share their issues and questions.

The Transgender Clinic offers a variety of approaches to support and help individuals in the best way possible, including by providing psychological support, pharmacological interventions, and help with sex reassignment procedures.

The Clinic is open to all, including the students of Amrita.

You can find additional information on the following link:

https://www.amrita.edu/care/cr7/7.1.1/7.1.1-e%20Other%20relevant%20information/7.1.1-a%20Transgender%20clinic%20at%20Amrita%20Health%20Sciences%20Kochi%20Campus.pdf

Resources

As per the Transgender Persons Act (2019), a transgender person has a right to be recognized as such. This Act sets up a procedure by which a person who identifies as a transgender person can apply for a certificate of identity by writing an application to the District Magistrate.

We invite you to consult the existing procedure and reach out to us if you need support.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019:

http://socialjustice.nic.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/TG%20bill%20gazette.pdf

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