The Kansas State Student Governing Association passed a resolution Thursday night that clarifies inclusivity guidelines for outside schools hoping to join the Big 12 if and when the conference expands.
The resolution largely reinforces protections for members of the LGBT community from discrimination and will go before university presidents of the Big 12.
The vote passed 38-18 and the resolution was amended to strike out language that specified Brigham Young University, which, like Baylor, is a faith-based university that is exempt from federal Title IX regulations.
Student Body President Jessica Van Ranken told KMAN Friday the amendment gave the resolution broader footing.
“(BYU) has policies that aren’t necessarily as inclusive, especially towards the LGBT community on their campus, as we would consider fair and just here at Kansas State,” Van Ranken said. “So the resolution that was passed was amended to no longer include BYU directly, but it still reaffirms the inclusive values we have at Kansas State.
“Current institutions of the Big 12 and any potential future institutions that join the Big 12 should have their inclusive policies and an environment on their campus which is conducive to learning for students of all demographics — including the LGBT community.”
Ranken said the SGA has been working with university officials and the K-State athletic department on the issue.
“We gave them notice of the resolution and solicited for any comments if they were to have any, guiding us one way or the other,” she said. “They indicated to us that we should pass whatever resolution we see fit.”
Van Ranken said the SGA took many cues from a similar resolution passed by Iowa State University’s student body.
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