In order to put focus on the “importance of developing and maintaining an inclusive workplace,” the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) announced the “Gender Pronoun Education/Awareness Initiative” this week.
According to The Daily Californian, the measure is designed to “create a supportive space” for transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals. However, it only applies to the Office of the President, “and will not have an impact on any of the UC campuses.”
Which demonstrates perfectly the superfluous nature of college diversity personnel.
Consider all who were involved in crafting the initiative: the Employee Engagement and Diversity Group, UCOP Pride, the UCOP’s Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the OP Staff Assembly … not to mention the vice provost for Diversity and Engagement and the executive director of UCOP Operations.
How many transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people actually work for the UCOP, thereby necessitating such an effort?
“Diversity is a defining feature of the University of California and we embrace it as a source of strength,” [UCOP spokesperson Sarah] McBride said in an email. “We strive to build a culture where employees feel accepted and individual differences are respected and valued as part of our broader commitment to diversity.” …
One particular focus of the initiative is the use of pronouns and the effect of their improper use on individuals in the workplace, according to the newsletter. McBride said members of the coalition working on the initiative prioritized pronouns based on input from staff, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, and determined that this was an impactful first step.
According to McBride, the initiative is still in its planning stages, and the multiple departments will continue to work together to design programs and support systems to develop an inclusive culture within the UCOP.
“Creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community is critical to the university’s core mission of public service, teaching and research,” McBride said in the email.
In 2015, the UCOP led the way in making sure all UC campus facilities, “including restrooms,” were gender-inclusive.
MORE: American U. official says it plans to mandate use of preferred pronouns
MORE: Prof who refuses to use wrong pronouns coincidentally loses first research grant
IMAGE: Ed Samuel / Shutterstock.com
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