Oxford University’s students’ union is asking students to use gender neutral pronouns because of transgender students.
In a pamphlet from the students’ union, students are encouraged to used “ze” instead of “she” and “he,” reports The Huffington Post UK. Some students want seminars and classes to begin using the gender neutral pronoun “ze.”
Oxford University’s code of conduct warns against repeatedly using the wrong pronouns to address a transgender person.
A gay activist praised the suggestion, calling it a “thoughtful, considerate move.”
“This issue isn’t about being politically correct or censoring anyone. It’s about acknowledging the fact of changing gender identities and respecting people’s right to not define themselves as male or female,” Peter Tatchell declared.
British schools are also being faced with whether to use gender neutral pronouns or not.
A guidebook, sent to various schools, warned teachers, school administrators, parents and students, against language that implies that only two genders exist. The terms “ladies” and “gents” were also criticized.
The book suggested various ways to describe gender and sexuality. Children who identify with the gender they were born as should be called “cisgender,” the book declared. The guidebook introduced terms such as “panromantic,” “intersex”and “genderqueer.”
“I think it is damaging to children to introduce uncertainty into their minds,” one critic said.
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