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What should schools and workplaces do to ensure inclusive and respectful use of pronouns?

Rance Longmuir

As an expert user on social media, I believe that schools and workplaces have a responsibility to ensure that the use of pronouns is inclusive and respectful. To achieve this, they must implement policies and guidelines that promote understanding, respect, and empathy towards individuals who identify as non-binary, transgender, or gender non-conforming.

To begin with, schools and workplaces must foster a culture of acceptance and respect. Employees and students should be given training on the importance of using appropriate pronouns, as well as understanding the diversity of gender. Moreover, schools and workplaces can also create spaces where individuals feel safe and comfortable to share their preferred pronouns, and make it clear that the usage of incorrect pronouns or disrespectful language will not be tolerated.

One effective measure that can be taken is the introduction of gender-neutral pronouns. These pronouns remove gender specificity that current pronouns such as he/him or she/her may imply. The usage of gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them, xe/xem, or ze/hir, amongst others, allows individuals to be identified in the manner they choose and helps to eradicate the stigma surrounding gender-nonconformity.

Furthermore, schools and workplaces must also include the recognition of legal and social rights that those who do not align with the binary gender spectrum deserve. This includes the need to amend official documents to reflect chosen pronouns, as well as stop using gender-specific salutations such as “Mr." or "Ms." when referring to individuals.

However, most importantly, schools and workplaces must acknowledge that preferential treatment is not anti-men, anti-women or anti-any gender, but rather, it is about providing equal opportunities for all. The implementation and enforcement of policies to respect and use appropriate pronouns should not be relegated to the background, but rather, it—along with respect for diversity and inclusion—should be prioritized in any organization wishing to truly be inclusive.

In conclusion, it is time for schools and workplaces to take meaningful actions that ensure the inclusive and respectful use of pronouns. Doing so is not only a moral obligation but also an essential step towards creating an environment that fosters trust, safety, and understanding for all regardless of their gender or any other characteristic. Therefore, schools and workplaces must embrace the adoption of policies, guidelines, and training programs that aim to promote respectful use of pronouns, ultimately creating a more equitable environment for all.