Discrimination against gender variant students/employees at the University of Texas Pan-American
The University of Texas in Austin is known for its accepting stance it takes on making all people feel welcome and safe and equal. This institution I speak about is a branch of UT in Austin, but it doesn’t nearly live up to the standard of the UT name. I was a student employee working for the university when I was violated by my employer, made a formal complaint, then through the (lack of) effectiveness and understanding of the LGBTQ community, the representative sent to handle my case accused me of unfairly casting blame about against my employer for openly discussing my gender identity (and my genitals) to every human that crossed her path. I was physically and verbally threatened in the presence of the HR rep, who is responsible for putting me in a situation that set the scene for numerous violations of my student and human rights. In addition to violating the university employment discrimination agreement, they (all parties involved) violated my privacy rights under HIPPA, and my rights as a student under FERPA. This attempt of a university could not be a worse choice if you’re looking for a school or employment, especially if you are queer-identified in any way. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable, violated, and humiliated, and I’ll be very glad to leave the border (Rio Grande Valley, Texas) as soon as possible.
October 5th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Maybe after this semester of school, see what academic board this school answers to and file a claim. HIPPA as a health care worker is everything and I’d image it be the same for a school. Not only did you lose your job but what else could of happened. This is a big breach of trust. Glad you’re doing better but shame on them.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Ugh. I’m sorry you had to go through all this. And I would say despite it all – consider going back and making noise.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
it’a always good to check a places discrimination policy out before taking a job . you may should look into seeing if u’re rights are protected on state level against firing i believe in the state of tx they can fire for being gay i don’t know about being trans. i’m sorry u had to go threw that
October 5th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@btru2urself that’s what i’m thinking. i’ll be out of here in december and i’ll have 8 months before grad school starts. ample time to raise a stink.
October 5th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
wow man that is nuts…sounds like you handled it well though..sorry you had to go through that
October 6th, 2011 at 12:46 am
Whoa, that’s harsh! Ever thought of writing a letter to the editors of all your nearby newspapers? It could be anonymous as well, but it would help to illuminate the issue, and would also cast some public scrutiny on the school. The problem with schools is the same as with law enforcement, and the catholic church. For some reason they are allowed to police themselves. This is not right.
October 6th, 2011 at 1:11 am
I’m really upset my hearing this. Really really upset. I know you already are, but I HOPE you do EVERYTHING possible to see justice for this pathetic institution, especially the pile of shit who outed you.
October 6th, 2011 at 5:43 am
sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me
October 6th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I want to second the comments of btru2ursef. File complaints with the accrediation board, over HIPPA, and with the Federal Dept of Education. Best Wishes!
October 15th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
U really shud report her ass