Tulane University is committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, age, or disability. Through the Center for Intercultural Life, Tulane facilitates a welcoming space for students who are exploring their identity to connect with social, cultural, spiritual, academic, and health resources. Below is an abbreviated list of resources that students may find useful during their time at Tulane. For more details about these and other resources, please stop by or call our office.
The Center for Intercultural Life works in partnership with many different campus partners to best provide services for the entire community at Tulane. Intercultural Life can connect you to the proper resources to help you thrive here at Tulane, whether you are seeking to:
- participate in an educational lecture, workshop, or training
- understand available health and wellness resources
- get involved with student organizations or leadership opportunities
- file a report on an incident of bias or discrimination
Getting a New Splash Card
Students who would like to have a chosen first name on their Splash Card should first enter the information through Gibson Online and then visit the Splash Card Office in the LBC to receive a new card. You will receive one free Splash Card with an updated chosen first name if you turn in your old splash card during the same transaction.
Name Changes on Official Records
In order to change your name on official legal documents (and documents such as the Tulane Phonebook, class registration, attendance lists, Wavemail), the registrar requires either an official court document with the legal name change or a valid driver's license or state identification card with the new name displayed.
Places Where Legal First Name Must be Used:
- Student Accounts Receivable
- Financial Aid
- Responses to enrollment inquiries such as verification requests
- Official Transcripts
- Diploma
- International Student Status
- Student Employee/Payroll Information
- Insurance Information
Keeping Your Legal Name Private
Under FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, directory information may be disclosed to the public. At Tulane, directory information includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name and chosen name. A student who does not want to be included in the directory can withhold directory information via Gibson Online. This is subject to certain exclusions, including but not limited to emergencies. It is important to know that withholding directory information means that you will not be listed in the directory, commencement materials, the Dean’s List, and any external reporting. The University will not be able to confirm your student status (e.g., for the purposes of insurance verifications, graduate application, or potential employment) without a signed release. The ability to opt out of directory information is available at the Update Confidentiality Flag link via Gibson Online. For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 504-865-5231.
Tulane University's FERPA Policy
Changing Your Legal Name
Students who wish to change their legal name must supply supporting legal documentation.
- Splash Card
- Class Rosters and Grade Rosters (and Preferred Pronoun)
- Advisee Lists (and Preferred Pronoun)
- Unofficial/Advising Transcripts
- Directory Listing (unless you withhold your directory information via Gibson Online)
Entering Your Chosen Name and/or Pronoun
You can update your chosen name or pronoun at any time during the semester. Log into Gibson Online. Click on the "Student" tab at the top. Under Records, on the left side of the page, select the link "Update Chosen First Name and/or Pronoun."
For more information on accessing and updating your personal information, visit the University Registrar's website.
Residential Learning Communities
Kaleidoscope
The Kaleidoscope Residential Learning Community (RLC) provides a welcoming and supportive community for all first-year students who are interested in engaging in meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ culture, identity, belonging, and personal growth as they transition into their first year at Tulane. Kaleidoscope fosters a space where students can explore an array of perspectives through intentional discussions, shared experiences, and community-building programs. The Kaleidoscope RLC offers a cohort-based TIDES course, cultural outings, and communal gatherings designed to enhance connection and learning. Topics of discussion may include LGBTQ+ issues (for example, history and leadership), sexual orientation and gender identity development, social belonging, and the ways in which individuals contribute to welcoming communities. Learn More about Kaleidoscope.
The Kaleidoscope RLC is open to all first-year students, regardless of sex, gender, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Global New Orleans
Global New Orleans is an innovative housing initiative designed to provide incoming freshmen at Tulane University with a unique and immersive living experience. Inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans and its global influences, this community aims to foster a sense of connection, curiosity, and understanding among residents, promoting personal growth and cultural awareness through intentional programming and community engagement. We aim to cultivate open mindedness, cross-cultural communication, and a lifelong appreciation for an array of perspectives. The mission of Global New Orleans is to create a dynamic living and learning environment where international and domestic first year students can explore and appreciate the global influences that contribute to the vibrant, cultural mosaic of New Orleans. The RLC aims to prepare students for a future where cultural competency and global understanding are essential skills for success. Learn More about Global New Orleans.
The Global New Orleans RLC is open to all first-year students, regardless of national origin, race, shared ancestry, religion or any other characteristic protected by law.
The 1963 Collective
The 1963 Collective is a Residential Learning Community (RLC) designed for any first-year students who are passionate about exploring Black history, culture, knowledge, and leadership. Through the TIDES course and specialized programming, residents will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections, celebrate Black excellence, and learn how to cultivate their legacy at Tulane, as exemplified by trailblazers such as Deidre Dumas Labat and Reynold T. Decou, the first African American undergraduates to earn degrees from Newcomb College and Tulane University. The program includes visits to culturally significant sites and attractions, such as museums, restaurants, and sporting events. The 1963 Collective welcomes individuals who are eager to deepen their understanding of Black heritage and leadership. Learn More about the 1963 Collective.
The 1963 Collective RLC is open to all first-year students, regardless of race, color, national origin or any other characteristic protected by law.
More information coming soon
Accessing Healthcare at Tulane
More information coming soon
LGBTQ+ Health Resources
Campus Health is committed to providing caring, high quality, and confidential services to our campus community, inclusive of all sexual orientations, romantic orientations, and gender identities.
To meet the health and wellness needs of all campus community members, the various Campus Health offices provide numerous programs and services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you need primary care, preventive health services, mental health care, or you are looking for general health and wellness information, our staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, health educators, and other health professionals are ready to help. Visit the Campus Health website for health resources for LGBTQ+ students.
Sexual Health & Education
Scarleteen has been providing comprehensive and inclusive sexuality and relationship education online to teens and emerging adults for over 20 years. In addition to extensive articles, they offer message boards, live chat, and a free text-based question-and-answer service.
QT Identity Exploration, Resources & Euphoria
More information coming soon
Legally Changing Your Name in Louisiana
To legally change your name so that all official university records, your driver's license, and other documents reflect your chosen name, the very first step is to file a petition with the Clerk of Court. In Louisiana, every name change is processed through the parish in which the petitioner resides. As a Tulane student, it is likely that you reside in Orleans Parish and the Clerk of Court is located on Loyola Avenue. With the proper identification and money (cash or money order) in hand, you can then go to the Clerk of Court Self-Help Desk at 421 Loyola Avenue (Room 401 on the 4th floor) to fill out a Name Change Petition. You do not need an attorney to complete this process. Take the following steps.
Changing Your Name on Your Birth Certificate
To change the name on your birth certificate, you will need to work with the Vital Records Department in the state in which you were born. If you were born in Louisiana, you must first follow the steps listed in the previous section to legally change your name. Once your name is legally changed through the Clerk of court, you can then petition to have the name changed on your birth certificate.
Robin A. Lewis, Services Manager at the Vital Records Registry: (504) 593-5171.
Sexual Aggression Peer Hotline (SAPHE)
SAPHE is a student organization that operates a 24/7 confidential hotline. The hotline is operated during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session. The purpose of the hotline is to provide support and information to members of the Tulane community regarding all issues that surround sexual aggression. Sexual aggression occurs in many forms including rape, sexual assault, stalking, dating / intimate partner violence, and sexual harassment. Call us at (504) 654-9543. In addition, SAPHE members are involved in various educational events and programs related to sexual aggression. If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming programs or how to become a member please email SAPHE.tu@gmail.com or visit the SAPHE Wavesync page for upcoming events.
Bias, Discrimination, Your Rights
Know Your Rights
Tulane University values an open and affirming learning and work environment, void of homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, sexism, and other forms of gender- and sex-based bias and discrimination. If you have seen homophobic or transphobic graffiti or language used on campus or witnessed or experienced harassment, a bias incident, a hate crime, or discrimination, please (1) submit a report online and (2) contact the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE).
Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity
Ruth Riley, Assistant Vice President
Tiffany Smith, Manager
Email: oie@tulane.edu
Phone: (504) 862-8083
1555 Poydras Street, Suite 964
New Orleans, LA 70112
The Center for Intercultural Life can assist you in filing a report, and/or mobilizing resources to address the issue. In any case, please do contact someone (even if only via email) so that the University has an accurate understanding of the climate on campus.
Note about Online Report Submissions
Please promptly report issues and incidents online so that appropriate action can be taken in a timely manner. You can choose to make your online report anonymous by leaving out any identifying information. Although the more information we have the better, we respect your right to privacy and remaining anonymous is a perfectly viable option.
Bias and Hate Crimes
What Constitutes a Bias Incident?
Bias is a pre-formed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who possess common characteristics, such as skin color or gender expression, or cultural experiences, such as religion or national origin. Bias incidents involve actions committed against a person or property that are motivated, in whole or in part, by their bias against race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender expression or identity, genetic information, age, or disability. By contrast, a hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by bias against a race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion. All hate crimes are bias incidents, but not all bias incidents are hate crimes.
What Constitutes a Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a criminal act of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. In 2009, new federal hate crime legislation (the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act) expanded the scope of a 1968 law to include gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, in addition to race, religion, and national origin. The U.S. Justice Department gained expanded authority to prosecute hate crimes when local authorities do not. In the state of Louisiana, hate crime legislation includes "actual or perceived" sexual orientation but does not address gender identity-based violence under its hate crime law: La. R.S. 14: 107.2 (2002); La. R.S. 15:1204.4 (2002).
Discrimination
Employment Discrimination
Though it is legal for state agencies and private employers to discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of sexual orientation, the City of New Orleans and Tulane University do not tolerate employment discrimination. The City of New Orleans Human Rights Laws make citywide public employment discrimination unlawful if based on gender identification, gender or sex, sexual orientation, age, color, creed, marital status, national origin/ancestry, physical condition/disability, race, or religion. Tulane is committed to and encourages a diverse and inclusive community that respects and values individual differences. In support of this commitment, Tulane University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices or educational programs/activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, military status, marital status, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Tulane University complies with applicable federal and state laws addressing discrimination harassment, and retaliation, Discrimination or harassment against individuals on the basis of any protected classification will not be tolerated. Complaints of discrimination must be filed in accordance with the policies set forth below. Individuals must promptly report discrimination so that prompt and appropriate action can be taken. (Tulane University Anti-Discrimination Statement)
Furthermore, Tulane University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, military status, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law. This commitment to equality extend stop all personnel actions, including recruitment, advertising for employment, selection for employment, compensation, performance evaluation, and selection for training or education, treatment during employment, promotion, transfer, demotion, discipline, layoff, and termination. Discrimination on the basis of any protected classification will not be tolerated. (Tulane University Equal Employment Opportunity Statement)
Furthermore, in April 2012, a ruling by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made it illegal for public or private employers to discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of gender identity; such discrimination, according to the EEOC, violates the prohibition on sex discrimination in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (2012). More information can be found from Lambda Legal and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Housing Discrimination
The City of New Orleans Human Rights Laws make housing discrimination unlawful if based on gender identification, gender or sex, sexual orientation, age, color, creed, marital status, national origin/ancestry, physical condition/disability, race, or religion. The New Orleans Human Relations Commission is a Municipal Agency, which enforces the City's Human Relations Rights Laws. The Commission employs a staff of three and maintains two offices in New Orleans. The commission has citywide authority and accepts complaints from all citizens and visitors to New Orleans who believe they have been discriminated against.
Tulane Legal Assistance Program
TULAP is a legal services program funded by the Tulane University Associated Student Body. They provide free legal advice and low-cost representation to current Tulane University students, staff, and faculty. TULAP also provides free notarial services and information regarding legal rights. Because they are funded by the University, they are only able to provide representation to current students, staff, and faculty, and cannot represent one member of the Tulane community against another, as that would present a conflict of interest.
All-Gender Bathrooms & Lockerooms
More information coming soon
