Guidelines for Making Spaces More Gender Inclusive
These guidelines for gender pronouns are for the benefit of our community, so everyone feels valued and included. This conversation is happening in education and work spaces regardless of religious practice. This guide can be used as a starting point to using pronouns respectfully.
Using pronouns is ingrained in much of what we do or say and it can sometimes feel uncomfortable or awkward to ask someone their pronouns. However, when pronoun clarity is sought in conversations, individuals are being drawn into the conversation. Other times, there is confusion about pronoun usage. For example, can I use “they” as a singular pronoun? That isn’t how I was taught! As we know the English language is always adapting, and the Oxford English Dictionary even says “they” can be used as a singular pronoun!
What can we do or say to encourage inclusivity when asking for pronouns? There is no exact answer, but what is most important to remember is that you are willing to ask. Here are some ways to engage with individuals about pronouns:
- On a student survey, you could ask: What are your pronouns? What pronouns do you use?
- When introducing yourself, if you have a nickname and/or pronoun that you would like us to use, please tell us.
- In discussion with students, you could say, “I want to make space for gender pronouns to be used, so please let me know what pronouns you use.”
If you are looking for syllabus language that is gender pronoun inclusive try this:
“Hi, my name is Dr. Professor, and I use the pronouns, she, her, and hers. Pronouns are parts of speech commonly used to refer to people instead of their name. Using the right pronoun, like someone’s correct name or title, is another way of showing respect. If you are ever in doubt regarding someone’s correct pronoun, use the individual’s name.”
When a person is asked what pronouns they use, some examples may include (more resources found at the end of this page):
- She or he
- They/them
- It
- That the name is used instead of a pronoun
What do we do when we use the incorrect pronoun? Most people appreciate an apology and correction so state your apology and then reassurance that you will try better. As always, what we model for our students is the most powerful way to include every student into the classroom. Here are phrases you could use if you accidentally say the wrong pronoun:
- I’m sorry I used the wrong name and pronoun for you. I’ll be more careful in the future.
- I think I got that wrong, I’m sorry. Please help me to do better (or help me get it right).
- I’m sorry. I think I can do better, can you help me?
- I’m sorry. I think I got that wrong, and I can do better. Will you help me?
It can be tough to remember pronouns, especially if you are learning new ones. The best solution is to practice when possible. Some places to practice online are included at the end of this document.
Anti-Defamation League.(n.d.). Let’s get it right: Using correct pronouns and names. Anti-Defamation League. https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/lets-get-it-right-using-correct-pronouns-and-names
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. (n.d.). Chosen names and pronouns. Middlebury College. https://www.middlebury.edu/college/student-life/diversity-equity-inclusion/chosen-names-and-pronouns
Bryn Mawr College. (n.d.). Gender identity and expression. Bryn Mawr College https://www.brynmawr.edu/pensby/gender-identity-and-expression
Center for Sexual and Gender Identity. (n.d.). Pronouns. Duke Student Affairs. https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/csgd/pronouns
Levin, R.N. (2019 Sept 19). The problem with pronouns. Inside Higher Education(online) https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2018/09/19/why-asking-students-their-preferred-pronoun-not-good-idea-opinion
