Lovely Professional University (LPU) is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This policy outlines the University’s dedication to fostering respect, equality, and non-discrimination towards individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ and reflects our compliance with the legal rights provided by the Constitution of India and recent legal developments pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Promote equality, dignity, and respect for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Provide a safe, non-discriminatory, and inclusive environment at LPU.
• Ensure compliance with national legal frameworks that protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including the decriminalization of homosexuality (as per the landmark ruling in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, 2018) and evolving laws related to gender identity (Nalsa v. Union of India, 2014).

This policy applies to all members of the LPU community, including students, faculty, administrative staff, and visitors on the University campus. It covers behaviour and conduct within the university premises, during university-sponsored events, and in any form of communication representing the university.

In accordance with the legal rights provided by the Constitution of India, LPU ensures that:

• Non-discrimination: No individual will face discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This applies to admissions, employment, housing, scholarships, extracurricular activities, and all other aspects of campus life.
• Equal opportunity: LGBTQIA+ individuals will be provided with equal opportunities in all academic and co-curricular activities, and all recruitment processes will ensure a fair and inclusive approach.

LPU respects the right of every individual to self-identify their gender, including non-binary and gender-fluid identities, and will take the following measures:

• Recognition of Gender Identity: Students and staff are entitled to identify themselves with the gender they feel best represents them. The University will recognize individuals by their self-identified gender in all official records and communications.
• Change of Name and Gender on University Records: LPU provides a process for individuals to change their name and gender in University records, in compliance with Nalsa v. Union of India.
• Restroom and Housing Facilities: The University will provide gender-neutral restrooms and housing options to ensure that transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals have safe and respectful spaces to reside and use facilities on campus.

• Zero Tolerance Policy: LPU maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Any violation of this policy will result in immediate and appropriate disciplinary action.
• Reporting Mechanism: A dedicated and confidential mechanism is available for students, faculty, and staff to report any instances of bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Complaints will be handled by a specialized committee trained to address LGBTQIA+ issues sensitively and fairly.

• Counselling and Mental Health Support: LPU offers mental health and counselling services tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Counsellors will be trained to address issues such as gender dysphoria, coming out, and societal challenges.
• Diversity and Inclusion Training: The University will offer mandatory sensitization workshops for students, faculty, and staff on LGBTQIA+ issues, aiming to foster understanding, respect, and ally ship.

• Faculty and Staff: All University faculty and staff are responsible for creating an inclusive classroom and workplace environment, free of discrimination and harassment. They are also required to participate in diversity training and uphold the University’s values of respect and equality.
• Students: All students are expected to treat their peers with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and contribute to an inclusive community that supports LGBTQIA+ rights.

The University administration will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains current with legal standards and the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Feedback will be solicited from students, faculty, and external experts to improve its effectiveness.

Lovely Professional University reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all faculty, staff, and students, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, non-discriminatory, and inclusive environment. Through continuous efforts to foster awareness, provide resources, and enforce equality, LPU stands as a welcoming and progressive institution for the LGBTQIA+ community.