Introduction
Shiga University of Medical Science considers “contribution to the promotion of human health” as part of its philosophy. Our students and staff members should understand that “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”*, and to promote social well-being, it is crucial to show consideration and respect for diversity.
For this purpose, our university has decided on the “Basic Principle and Policies of Shiga University of Medical Science, Respecting the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)” on October 1, 2020 to respect the diversity of SOGI among our students and staff, and establish an environment to prevent discrimination and prejudice related to SOGI.
Our university is striving to realize an environment with diversity to achieve “contribution to the promotion of human health” based on this principle and policies, where its member’s wishes and decisions regarding SOGI are respected, and their individuality and abilities can be fully demonstrated in various fields such as education, research and medical care.
* From the Preface to the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO).
October 1, 2020
UEMOTO Shinji
President, Shiga University of Medical Science
Basic Principle and Policies of Shiga University of Medical Science, Respecting the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
1. Basic principle
Shiga University of Medical Science is the workplace of students and staff who are entrusted with a mission to practice education, research, and medical care. We have the obligation to create an environment that protects human rights and eliminates any unjust discrimination. For this reason, our institution will respect the diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (hereinafter referred to as SOGI), and work towards the establishment of an environment with zero unfair discrimination nor prejudice.
In order to uphold the rights of SOGI and make this basic principle real, Shiga University of Medical Science will establish the following five policies.
2. Basic policies
- We will respect people's will and choice regarding their SOGI.
- We will prohibit any discrimination or prejudice based on a person's SOGI.
- We will encourage students and staff to understand the diversity of SOGI.
- We will thoroughly protect personal information regarding SOGI.
- We will devise rational adjustments in regards to our learning and working environments.
Assistance services
| Students | Staff | |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting |
Student Affairs Division or Health Administration Center (or All-purpose Consulting Room for Students) |
Office for Gender Equality or Health Administration Center |
| Regarding identity and gender issues | Student Affairs Division | Personnel Division |
| Harassment | Harassment Consulting Service | Harassment Consulting Service |
Guidelines for Student Life following the Basic Principle and Policies
In response to the "Basic Principle and Policies of Shiga University of Medical Science, Respecting the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)," these guidelines provide specific measures that the University may take to respect the diverse sexual orientations and gender identities of students at the university.
However, since it is difficult to realize all the wishes in these guidelines, we first listen to the student’s wishes and then provide the necessary support, such as counseling and improving study environment.
- [For reading] Guidelines for Student Life following Basic Principle and Policies of Shiga University of Medical Science, Respecting the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
- [For printing] Guidelines for Student Life following Basic Principle and Policies of Shiga University of Medical Science, Respecting the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
* [For printing] PDF is optimized to printing with A4 size duplex setting.
References
1. Sexual Orientation
The concept of sexual orientation refers to the object of a person's love interest or sexual attraction. It may specifically refer to heterosexuality, love or sexual attraction towards the opposite sex, homosexuality, attraction to the same sex, or bisexuality, attraction to both sexes. Due to homosexuals and bisexuals being in minority groups, they might even be expelled from some workplaces. In the present day, it has become more widely accepted that this kind of discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation is wrongful. However, we still see prejudice and discrimination to this day.
2. Gender Identity
The concept of gender identity refers to the way a person perceives their own gender, and what kind of identity they feel they possess. It is also known as "the gender of the mind". Many people have the gender of both their mind and body as one, but some feel a discrepancy in them (gender identity disorder), leading them to undergo surgeries in order to mold the gender of their bodies closer to that of their mind. Thus, these people are seen with prejudice, and might be treated wrongfully in their workplaces. In July 2004, the "Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder" was established, which allows people with gender identity disorder to undergo a trial for sex change if certain conditions are met (said conditions were alleviated after a revision in June of 2008).
3. Coming Out
Coming out refers to the act of freely expressing one's own will in regards to their SOGI, which had been kept private previously. We must bear in mind that expressed SOGI are considered personal information, and thus it is important to know the scope of people to whom a person is coming out, as well as to respect their will and not spread this information to third parties. "Outing" people in this manner is considered a severe breach of their faith. We expect each and every student and faculty member to understand and become a supporter of SOGI.