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Recent updates to UNK’s Gender Identity Policy takes steps towards a more inclusive community on campus. Students, faculty and staff can change their name, gender identity and pronouns to align with how they want to be addressed.
The policy changes are meant to allow members of UNK to present their truest selves.
“UNK is actively working to make our campus community more inclusive,” said Sandra Loughrin, the director of Women’s, Gender and Ethnic Studies. “A great start is providing a welcoming environment for students.”
Now students can identify themselves based on their preference.
“I was very excited to check MyBlue and see that there was an option for pronouns and gender identities,” said Riley Rodgers, a UNK senior. Rodgers identifies as a transman and uses he/him/his pronouns and male identifiers. “If you aren’t a part of the transgender community, you may not know just how much it can hurt to be misgendered.”
Alongside customizing pronouns in MyBlue, students can display their chosen pronouns on Canvas and Zoom. The goal is to help them feel at ease when interacting through these online formats.
“Getting your identity erased, intentionally or not, is something that can affect a student’s mental health significantly,” Rodgers said. “Being able to see my pronouns next to my name on Canvas so people know how to refer to me when doing endless discussion boards is nice.”
Many at UNK are welcoming the updates.
“The goal is to make sure that all students feel included,” Loughrin said. “This involves a commitment from students, faculty, and staff.”
Loughrin attributes the increase in inclusivity on campus to Dr. Maha Younes, the new chief diversity officer, as well as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion staff. Both Younes and ODI are contributing to make campus a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Work is still being done to make campus more inclusive in the future.
“I hope that UNK continues to show support for their queer students as time goes on,” Rodgers said. “Having pronouns and gender identities online is a good start to supporting our community.”
UNK students, faculty and staff who want to learn more about diverse identities and cultures can visit the Gender and Sexuality Resource Office and Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion.