Montana Regents anti-bias policy adds gender ID

BOZEMAN — The state Board of Regents has voted to broaden the university system's anti-discrimination policy to require campuses to ensure there's no discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Board members voted 4-0 in a conference call Monday to add the new wording.

The policy previously prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry.

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports seven of the state's campuses had earlier barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian says the university system will designate more restrooms as family, unisex or handicap accessible.

He says it sends the proper message that the state's campuses are open, welcoming, safe places to attend for any Montana students.

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