Why did Ohio University create this new policy (Student Names policy #12.021)?
Ohio University is committed to fostering an environment of inclusiveness and supporting students' preferred form of self-identification. With this in mind, the Student Names policy 12.021 provides definitions for and uses of names and pronouns recorded for students. It is expected that faculty, staff, and students will make every effort to call students by their preferred name and utilize students' pronoun usage.
Every individual has the right to be address by a name and pronoun that corresponds to the person's gender identity. A court-ordered name or gender change is not required, and the student need not change their official records.
Preferred name practices have already been in effect at Campus Care and Counseling and Psychological Services. Faculty and staff have been able to report a preferred first name through My Personal Information.
Background:In March 2013, Hannah Dunn, LGBT Affairs commissioner for Student Senate, presented the Preferred Name resolution for students who do not go by their legal name, transgender students, and exchange students. In November 2014, Elliot Long, LGBT Affairs commissioner for Graduate Student Senate, presented the Preferred Name and Pronoun resolution for students who do not want to go by their legal name, transgender students, and international students. These two resolutions started the conversation to determine how the University could address this critical need. The policy and system changes resulted from these discussions.