University of Alabama removes LGBTQ language from campus policies

In November 2025 the University of Alabama revised its Harassment Policy and Equal Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination Policy, deleting the explicit reference to “sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.” University officials said the change was made to align the wording with the language of federal statutes such as Title VII and Title IX and that it does not affect how the policies are enforced. A spokesperson, Alex House, described the amendment as an administrative update and affirmed that the university will continue to promote a welcoming, non‑discriminatory environment.

Despite the removal, the university’s graduate catalog and its Title IX website still list LGBTQ status as a protected category, and the language remains in some other university documents. Other Alabama institutions—including Auburn University, Samford University, the University of South Alabama and the University of West Alabama—continue to explicitly name sexual orientation or gender identity in their nondiscrimination policies.