Move over Jordan Peterson, University of Minnesota may mandate ‘preferred pronouns’ or be expelled, fired
Jordan Peterson became an Internet phenom after rebuking the mandate and legal threats which came from demands on professors to use preferred pronouns. Now the University of Minnesota is considering a new policy that would mandate the use of “preferred pronouns” under threat of expulsion or firing.
photo courtesy of LC.org
The proposed policy is titled “Equity and Access: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns” which is addressed to members of the academic institution, who “are expected to use the names, gender identities, and pronouns specified to them by University members.”
Campus Reform reported on the policy, noting that it reportedly began circulating earlier this year and would allow students to use school facilities based on their preferred gender identity and not their sex assigned at birth.
From the proposed draft: “Individuals may access gender-specific facilities that correspond with their gender identities and may participate in University activities and programs consistent with their gender identities including, but not limited to, housing, restrooms, locker rooms, recreation services and activities, and camp programs.”
“Individuals will not be required to use gender-specific facilities that are inconsistent with their gender identities or to use gender inclusive options because their sex assigned at birth or sex listed on legal documents differs from their gender identity or gender expression,” the draft continues.
There will be penalties for non-compliance as the policy includes a lengthy list of punishments designed to discourage “discrimination” and “harassment” based on gender identity.
“Discrimination or harassment based on gender identity or gender expression may result in appropriate responsive action, including but not limited to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment and academic sanctions up to and including academic expulsion,” the document reads.
The university explains that the document is needed to further support “transgender and gender nonconforming” individuals on campus and to “maintain an environment for University members that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on gender identity and gender expression.”
photo John Hain
