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A university at the center of a 21st century language dispute after telling students and staff to call everyone “they” has insisted that other pronouns like “xe/zem,” “fae/faer,” and “ze/ hir” are just as “valid”. ‘.
The University of Kent put together a three-page guide to gender-neutral pronouns people can be called by until their ‘preferred pronouns’ are confirmed.
The heads of the institution said it would create a “genuine culture of inclusion” at the school, but the move has been criticized by free speech advocates.
The Kent Guide is located on your Equality, diversity and inclusion section of their website, which links to a non-binary Wiki page.
Although the university council does not explicitly mention all potential pronouns on the Wiki site, it does say: ‘Many gender-neutral pronouns are becoming more common. This includes the use of the singular “they” or “ze”… While some may seem unfamiliar to you, they are all linguistically valid.’
The University of Kent (pictured) advises students and staff to address everyone as “they” until the person they are speaking to has confirmed their preferred pronouns.
A section of the guide from the University of Kent that advises on how to ask about pronouns.
Students are encouraged to share their pronouns, whatever their gender, as just asking people within trans or non-binary communities could flag them as different.
The university suggests that staff and students say their pronouns when first introducing themselves to each other at meetings.
And if they don’t get a chance to ask someone’s pronouns, the guide encourages people to “use the non-gendered ‘they’ until you’re sure.”
It comes after the University of Kent came under fire last week for claiming that the use of the words ‘surname’ and ‘Christian first name’ could be considered offensive, as ‘surname’ is ‘patriarchal’ and ‘Christian first name’ excludes non-Christians.
In its guide for staff and students on pronouns, the university said: ‘Referring to people by their self-determined pronouns is respectful and preserves human dignity.
‘Together, we can work to celebrate people’s multiple intersecting identities and create an inclusive culture at the University of Kent.
‘It is important to normalize shared pronouns so that not only trans, non-binary and/or intersex people are expected to share their pronouns.
‘If only people perceived to be members of these communities are asked to share their pronouns, this can mark them as ‘other’.
“It’s good practice for all of us to normalize sharing our pronouns, rather than expect people to assume them correctly (even if they do).”
Orientation is optional, but the university also encourages staff and students to add their pronouns to their digital profile.
This includes your email signature, Teams profile name, and other communication platforms.
Toby Young, the founder and director of the Free Speech Union, said: “The problem with requiring all staff and students to declare their pronouns, and presumably use the preferred pronouns of others, is that it requires some of them – feminists gender critics, orthodox Christians – to state something they don’t believe to be true, ie that it is possible for a person to change their sex.’
Toby Young (pictured), founder and director of the Free Speech Union, criticized the guide
The university adds that while mistakes do happen, students and staff should quickly apologize and try not to call attention to the mistake.
And they encourage their members to be ‘active viewers’, gently reminding people of someone’s pronouns, even when they’re not in the room.
A spokesperson for the University of Kent said: ‘Kent is committed to creating and supporting a balanced, inclusive and diverse community.
“While we do not instruct our students or staff on the use of pronouns in communication, written or verbal, we do offer guidance, explanations, and encouragement on how to use them.
‘Staff and students are encouraged to share their pronouns, either in emails or in meetings.
‘This is to help normalize practice and put others at ease.
‘However, this is just part of our broader EDI strategy which helps staff and students feel confident in playing their part in creating an inclusive community in Kent.
‘These are guidelines, not policies, and exist as a useful resource and support tool. However, the well-being of our staff and students is important to us, and any complaints related to race, gender, religion, or sexuality are taken seriously.