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Being identified by the correct name contributes to an individual's autonomy, dignity and safety. For students seeking to change their documented or legal name at Laurier please see the processes and supports below.
This form is for students who wish to change their legal name in LORIS including their academic records (Transcripts, Verification of Enrolment, etc.).
This process is for students requesting to update their name for internal use only, (ie. chosen first name, nickname, remove middle name, etc.).
Step 1: Fill out the student Preferred Name Change Form to have your chosen name reflected on in LORIS as well as all MyLearningSpace (MyLS) classroom lists.
Please note that your chosen name will not reflect on official documentation (i.e. degree/transcript/confirmation of enrolment).
Step 2: Request a new one card with your chosen name for exams.
Step 3: Request your chosen name to be displayed on your MyLaurier email and in Zoom through the student help desk.
For more information about changing gender and/or sex options, please connect with Service Laurier.
Changing your name can be both a costly and labour-intensive process; if you are a student seeking support navigating internal or external name change processes, please reach out to The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@wlu.ca.
For staff and faculty seeking information, support or training, please email equity@wlu.ca or visit the staff and faculty resources on connect.
Did you know that the Student Wellness Centre offers Trans Inclusive health care options? Book an appointment with them to find out more.
In 2017, LSPIRG launched our Gender Pronoun Campaign in both Waterloo and Brantford. This campaign includes a run down of what gender pronouns are, how to use them, and how you can be in solidarity with trans/non-binary folks. This campaign was created between LSPIRG and the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With particular support from the Rainbow Centre on the Waterloo campus.
Learn more about the campaign and gender pronouns.
Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. Laurier worked to address this barrier throughout 2016 and 2017 by implementing an initiative that replaced the gender specific signs at single-user restrooms with signs free of gender symbols. This was a critical first step to increasing the inclusiveness of Laurier, however, it is not a complete solution.
The Inclusive Washroom Initiative serves as the next step to increasing the inclusiveness of spaces at Laurier by providing signage at multi-user washrooms indicating that Laurier respects and supports everyone's right to choose a washroom based on how they identify and present. This signage will also remind people to refrain from commenting on who is accessing which washroom.
Signage image text: Laurier supports everyone's right to choose a washroom that aligns with their gender identity. People using this space belong here.
A Thriving Community where all members of the University can reach their potential is a key component of Laurier’s 2019-2024 strategic plan. Part of this strategy is to develop and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the powerful sense of belonging. Laurier strives to be a place in which all individuals can express their authentic selves and recognizes that respect and support for trans and gender diverse people are central to their success and wellbeing.
As referenced in the OHRC policy on preventing discrimination based on gender identity, everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring (challenging people about the washroom they are accessing) and fear of harm and harassment. Choosing not to use a washroom or feeling anxious when doing so can have negative consequences on one’s mental and physical health.
As you may have noticed, many of the gender symbols (women/men) that marked the single-user washrooms were removed throughout 2015-2017, driven by a group of graduate students on the Brantford campus and the Centre for Women and Trans People in Waterloo, which was a critical first step to increasing the inclusiveness of Laurier. However, this is not a complete solution. There are still many buildings that do not offer gender neutral washrooms and no one, including trans and gender diverse people, should be expected to only use single-user washrooms.
The next step to increasing the inclusiveness of spaces at Laurier is to provide signage at gender specific, multi-user washrooms indicating that Laurier respects and supports everyone’s right to choose a washroom based on how they identify and present. This signage will also remind people to refrain from commenting on who is accessing which washroom. The project will take approximately 8 weeks for printing and installation with the goal of completion by the beginning of June 2021, in conjunction with the start of Pride. With the support of CPAM, the project will be communicated out to the Laurier community with supplemental resources regarding gender inclusion.
Laurier believes that everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression without the fear of harm or harassment. If you, or someone else, has experienced harm, there are options for support and reporting available on campus.
If you are a student, you can access support from:
If you or someone else feel like you are in immediate danger, access Special Constable Services using the following methods:
Everyone is safer when there are fewer expectations of what kind of person can use what space, especially based on appearances. If you see someone questioning another person’s gender identity or right to access a bathroom, you can intervene in support of the person experiencing harm.
Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring (challenging people about the washroom they are accessing) and fear of harm and harassment.
You can make a choice to actively and visibly support trans and non-binary people to safely accessing the bathroom that fits their identity and comfort.
Check out the Five D's of Bystander Intervention to learn how you can support someone who's being harmed.
A: Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. Laurier worked to address this barrier throughout 2016 and 2017 by implementing an initiative that replaced the gender specific signs at single-user restrooms with signs free of gender symbols. This was a critical first step to increasing the inclusiveness of Laurier, however, it is not a complete solution.
The Inclusive Washroom Initiative serves as the next step to increasing the inclusiveness of spaces at Laurier by providing signage at multi-user washrooms indicating that Laurier respects and supports everyone's right to choose a washroom based on how they identify and present. This signage will also remind people to refrain from commenting on who is accessing which washroom.
A: The project involves a collaboration between Human Resources, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the University Employment Equity Advisory Committee’s Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Working Group and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. The project was made possible through the generous support of the Students’ Union, with funds from the Student Life Levy.
A: The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and their connected student groups, the University Employment Equity Advisory Committee’s Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Working Group and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice were consulted on this project. Advance notification will be provided to faculty and staff unions, with an opportunity for questions and feedback on the proposed communication plan.
A: Ensuring everyone can access the washroom without fear or being mistreated is essential.
A: Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. OutLook, a study exploring the wellbeing of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Waterloo Region found that 57% of the 112 trans participants avoided public washrooms (Davis et al., 2019).
Choosing not to use a washroom or feeling anxious when doing so can have negative consequences on one’s mental and physical health. While gender neutral, single-stall washrooms are available in some campus buildings, these are not in all buildings. More importantly, trans, and gender diverse people have the right access the washrooms of their choice based on how they identify and choose to present themselves.
A: Both the Canadian Human Rights Act and Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) include gender identity and expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. Canadians are protected in their right to the gender identity of their choice and freedom of gender expression. The Ontario Human Rights Code explicitly states that “everyone has the right to define their own gender identity. Transgender and non-binary people should be recognized and treated as the gender they live in” (Ontario Human Rights Code).
A: Single-user washrooms are very important for some people to feel comfortable and safe. They are definitely part of the solution. However, no one, including trans and gender diverse people, should be required or encouraged to only use single-user washrooms. For some people, being told to use a gender neutral washroom undermines their gender identity. All people (trans and cisgender [their sex assigned at birth and gender identity correspond with one another]) should have the right to use the washroom based on their identity.
A: Laurier is taking a universal design approach to washroom inclusion. In addition to the multi-user, gender specific washrooms, you will find a number of single-user washrooms at Laurier campuses and location. Please see a list of locations below:
Waterloo Campus
Brantford Campus
Kitchener Location
A: Nothing. It is not up to you to assess a person's gender. People are the best at knowing for themselves which washroom they should be using.
At Laurier, we are working to create and uphold positive and affirming environments for trans and gender non-conforming people. There are many factors that contribute to such an environment. Below are some factors to consider when working to foster inclusive environments.
Factors affecting the inclusiveness of environments include:
Pronouns
Asking and correctly using someone’s pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity.
What are some examples of pronouns?
It is important to note that some people do not use pronouns and prefer to be addressed by name only.
The gender-neutral "they" is a personal pronoun that is commonly used by non-binary or gender non-conforming people. It does not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed. Some examples of how to use it include:
"I spoke to the office manager and they said they'd get back to me."
"I think someone left their laptop behind."
"Who's in charge of the social media campaign? I'll call them."
What if I make a mistake?
It’s okay! Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. If you misgender someone by using the wrong pronoun, the best thing to do is say something right away, like “Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun)” and move on.
How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?
Try asking: “What pronouns do you use?” or “Can you remind me what pronouns you use?”
Language is a powerful tool for increasing an inclusive environment. The words people use to describe themselves and others are very important and the right terms can affirm identities. The following is a list of helpful terms to use when discussing gender identity and expression:
Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Waterloo
E:
diversity@wlu.ca
T:
519.884.0710 x3208
Office Location: Main Floor, Macdonald House Residence, Room 117
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Students: Swipe your OneCard for access. Community members: Use the dial pad to contact the office.
Brantford
E:
diversity@wlu.ca
T:
519.756.8228 x5459
Office Location: Student Centre, 2nd (top floor), 103 Darling St., Brantford, ON
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please notify us of any accessibility needs so we may accommodate you.