Point Park University in Pittsburgh highlighted its “misgendering, pronoun misuse and deadnaming” policy to its newly enrolled students, which warns that “action could be taken” against students who do not acknowledge or respect their classmates’ preferred pronouns.
“While the University recognizes the aspect of intent versus impact, we must recognize that regardless of the intent, if an individual is impacted in a harmful way, action could be taken if a complaint is filed,” an email states, according to Campus Reform.
The warning was sent out to incoming students in an email, which also included a link to the school’s “Pronouns and Inclusive Language Guide,” Campus Reform reports. The guide, written by a former student, suggests changing terms like “boyfriend/girlfriend” to “partner,” “ladies and gentlemen” to “students and guests,” “he/she” to “they,” etc.
The University also created the “Preferred Name Policy,” which allows students and faculty members to use their preferred name when a legal name is not required.
“Any individual who has been informed of another person’s gender identity, pronouns or chosen name is expected to respect that individual,” the policy reads, according to Campus Reform.
Though the policy received some positive feedback, it also faced backlash from various students and staff members.
Campus Reform Correspondent and student at Point Park University Logan Dubil believes the policies “go against many students’ belief systems, especially conservative students,” he told Fox News. “Personally, I believe in the science. There are two sexes and two genders: male and female. The policies in question force me to go against my beliefs. The fact that I can be disciplined by failing to follow policies that violate my conscience is concerning.”
