University students are 'told not to ask a person's pronouns' in case it's triggering
Students at Liverpool University have now been told asking someone for their pronouns is not inclusive and could be triggering.
In new diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) guidance, obtained by The Telegraph, students and staff at the Russel Group university were warned asking someone to disclose their pronouns could make them feel pressured to 'out themselves' as transgender.
It reads: 'When you first meet someone, you don't want to ask about their pronouns,' the guidance reads.
'This could make them feel like you're asking them to out themselves as transgender, agender, or non-binary, which they might not want to do, particularly if you work in a conservative office.'
Liverpool University, which has been part of the Diversity Champions scheme at controversial transgender charity Stonewall since 2009, told students they should instead introduce themselves with their own pronouns.
According to the guidance this is 'an important indicator of support for trans and non-binary people' and by 'sharing your own pronouns, you're allowing the other person to share theirs, but not forcing them to'.
It says 'this small action' can make the environment more 'inclusive for everyone to work and study no matter their gender'.
Staff are told to put have their pronouns in their email signature and to mention them when they introduce themselves whilst also only referring to students as 'they/them' until they have confirmed their pronouns.
Both staff and students are told the phrase 'preferred pronouns' is 'incorrect' and should not be used because the word 'preferred' suggests someone's gender 'is a preference'.
The guidance says declaring pronouns is a 'personal decision' and people should not be forced to share them but adds that ;it can make a real difference in reassuring' trans, non-binary, and LGBQT+ staff and students 'they are welcome and accepted'.
It also says switching to 'gender-neutral pronouns' for everyone 'ultimately doesn't require too much effort' but could make 'a huge difference in creating a warmer, more inclusive workplace environment for everyone'.
The general secretary for the Free Speech Union, Lord Young, told The Telegraph the guidance demonstrate that 'what is politically correct in the trans community changes every 10 minutes'.
He added that it feels 'a bit 2024' in light of the Supreme Court judgement and suggested universities stop issuing these guides as 'they cannot hope to keep up'.
Director of campaign group Don't Divide Us, Alka Sehgal-Cuthbert, told the publication as 'human beings' we are able to speak to each other and can work out 'difference, hurts and offences' on our own without needing 'approval or gold stars'.
She added it is an 'elemental freedom of being a free citizen in a democratic society' and that 'policing this, in whatever guise, encourages authoritarianism'.
A spokesman for the University of Liverpool told The Telegraph: 'We are fundamentally committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and students, and proud to be a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community.
'This guidance - which is not mandatory - is intended to support inclusive communication and sits within our broader efforts to foster a respectful and supportive environment.'
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