Jul 11 (Japan Times) - In what is believed to be a first in Japan, a prestigious national women’s university officially announced Tuesday its new policy to open doors from 2020 to people who were assigned as male at birth but identify as female, saying it’s a natural decision that takes gender diversity into account.
The landmark move by Ochanomizu University is expected to accelerate national discussions regarding admissions at other women universities, which currently limit enrollment to those listed as women on their family registry.
“We want to accept people who sincerely wish to study at Ochanomizu University. It’s a natural thing to do in a society that embraces diversity,†President Kimiko Murofushi said during a news conference held at the university, which is located in Tokyo.
Ochanomizu — which was established in 1875 as the nation’s first higher education institution for women — said it will change its admission criteria on gender to include those listed as men on their family registry but who identify as female, Murofushi said.
The university will launch a working group soon that will work toward making the campus transgender-friendly, discussing matters such as the facilities necessary and support needed for students to lead comfortable lives on campus.
According to an education ministry survey released in 2014, Japanese elementary, junior high and high schools had recognized 606 students experiencing gender dysphoria, defined as conflict between one’s assigned gender and that with which one identifies. The survey results prompted the ministry to urge schools to appropriately deal with the students, through steps such as allowing them to wear school uniforms that allow them to feel comfortable.
