What are your pronouns?
Why gender-inclusive teaching is necessary
Spencer Bispham (he/they) / Asst. Opinion Editor / The USD Vista
Recently, a few of us from the Vista had a conversation about our pronouns in our Multimedia Journalism class. We spoke frankly about the importance
of displaying and asking about everyone’s pronouns, not just those who identify outside of the gender binary. Though it was uncomfortable, it also prompted me to wonder why some of our campus community has yet to get on board.
As someone who uses both “he/him” and “they/them” pronouns myself, I was particularly curious if the University of San Diego had a standing policy regarding pronoun usage in and out of the classroom. The most accessible resource I could find for this inquiry was a five page PDF document titled “University of San Diego’s Guidelines for Gender Inclusive Design,” last updated on March 3, 2021. It outlines ways that professors and staff can make the forms they use in class safe and affirming for students with various gender identities.
At the core of the document are four guidelines: ask only what is relevant, take all appropriate measures to protect students’ privacy, explain what you’re asking and ask questions that affirm diverse genders. It also gives examples of when asking about gender identity may or may not be relevant.
In reference to pronouns specifically, the document recommends they should be introduced “all the time.”
“We encourage you to always use this as an optional field so you know how best to refer to your students,” it reads. “When you haven’t asked, work on using a student’s name until you know what pronouns they use. As you adopt this practice, remember to lead by sharing your own pronouns.”
Personally, I think this is a good policy for professors to use verbally as well as when designing forms for students to fill out. Especially since our school projects an identity of “wokeness” and “changemaking,” and there are still situations that arise when students’ identities are called into question.
For example: two weeks ago, I wore a skirt out for most of my day. I have only recently begun experimenting with my gender expression and pronouns, and most people in my life have been very supportive. Particularly when I dress in a more feminine aesthetic (makeup, skirts, jewelry) as opposed to masculine (hoodies, pants, sneakers), the most
heinous thing I had experienced was some awkward staring across the Plaza de Colachis.
I felt very privileged that weird looks were the extent of what I’d encountered until I showed up to my second class of the day. Immediately, my professor looked me up and down and asked, “are you experimenting?”
The answer was obviously yes, but the facts are that my self expression is none of his business nor was it relevant to our classroom discussion.
This situation is exactly why professors need to start their classes by introducing pronouns; it helps foster an environment that’s sensitive to the nuances of gender expression.
Contrarily, there are professors who work hard to create this type of environment in their classrooms. Dr. Nikki Usher (they/them) is an Associate Professor of Communication at USD. Their research mainly focuses on communication processes in media and journalism, but the power dynamics of gender equity are particularly important to them as well.
Dr. Usher shared that including pronouns in their teaching materials benefits both themself and their students.
“For me, putting in pronouns is a necessity, because I don’t want to be misgendered,” they said. “Given that my pronouns are not the ‘standard’ pronouns, I put them in the
bottom of my email [signature].”
They went on to describe why others on campus should follow suit.
“I think when faculty, staff or even students take the initiative to include that either in their verbal introductions or their email addresses, it’s a very strong signal that someone is going to try to respect my pronouns,” they said. “It’s almost an instant ally flag.”
Some students at USD feel similarly to Dr. Usher. Ezra Wheeler (they/them) is a fifth-year USD student who is involved with the LGBTQ+ Commons and the Alliance of Disability Advocates.
They stated that displaying/introducing pronouns is one way to give people the power to control their self expression.
“The importance is making it so that trans folks aren’t the first or only people displaying our pronouns because it is a way of outing someone,” Wheeler said. “I think it’s just about normalizing it, not assuming, and giving folks the respect for their own self determination and autonomy.”
Erin Lovette-Colyer (she/her) is the Director of Gender Identity Resources at the USD Women’s Commons. She offered some easy ways that everyone, students included, can work to make the school a more inclusive space.
“Gender inclusivity is performative when we stop at the use of pronouns,” she said. “We must go further to ensure that all aspects of our work are inclusive. Folks can check out
the LGBTQ+ Commons website (sandiego.edu/lgbtq) to learn about a variety of ways they can make USD a more gender inclusive community. When we center the experiences of the most vulnerable in our community we show our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive USD.”
With all of these resources, there really isn’t any reason why USD professors shouldn’t acknowledge pronouns in the classroom. Not only does it prevent “othering,” or alienating, students with different gender identities, but it’s USD’s official recommendation of how to help students feel seen.
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Regina Dixon-Reeves (she/her), agrees that this simple practice should be prioritized across campus.
“The use of gender-inclusive pronouns is incredibly important in affirming the humanity of all who are part of our community,” she said. “The use of gender-inclusive pronouns signals that ‘I see you, just as you are and the way that you want to be seen.’ This practice is consistent with our Catholic values and the mission of the University and the Center
for Inclusion and Diversity. Everyone is welcome here!”
For anyone reading this, especially professors, who have yet to introduce themselves with pronouns: give it a try. Not only can it make those in your immediate vicinity more comfortable, but it’s an important contribution to the larger goal of making our campus gender-inclusive.
For more information on gender inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights at the University of San Diego, visit the LGBTQ+ Commons or the Women’s Commons on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion. Or look these spaces up on their Instagram (@usdlgbtqcommon, @usdwomenscommons).