The University of Missouri system has added gender identity and gender expression to the non-discrimination policy at its four campuses.

The University of Missouri system has added gender identity and gender expression to the non-discrimination policy at its four campuses.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the Board of Curators' vote on Thursday makes the university the first public school in the state to make the change.

Seven private colleges and universities have implemented some version of the same change.

Curator John Phillips says the board has received petitions from students and faculty from all four campuses supporting the change. Curator David Steward cast the only vote against the change. Student body presidents from all four university campuses sent out a joint news release lauding the curators for the vote.