Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
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On Tuesday, the public announcement came that as an employee at a state-funded university I would no longer be able to list my pronouns on any work-related communications. In other words, my identity is not appropriate for work.
I am a nonbinary human being, which means I’m part of those pesky “they/thems” that a certain sect of our country seems so angry with.
I am also not straight, which means I have found myself with two X’s on a very dangerous cultural bingo card at the moment.
Related news article:
• In final push to boot DEI initiatives, KU tells employees to remove pronouns from email signatures, July 22, 2025
I understand the university depends on state funds. I understand this ties their hands in an uncomfortable way. I also understand they are beholden to a game they never asked to play. But the lack of public support, the lack of any statement of displeasure at the action of stripping their employees of a piece of identity and autonomy, as well as the lack of acknowledgment that this is a very slippery slope we find ourselves on — well, all of that lack hurts.
This action does nothing but separate and alienate an already small and at-risk group from the larger whole of our community. And, sadly, I think this is the goal.
But, guess what, we are still here. We still exist. We are still “they/thems” whether or not you allow us to type the words out. Identity is wild that way.
Anyway, now that I’ve vented, here is my action plan:
I will have no signature.
My email signatures will now simply read “—”. If they want to remove identity, I will comply. If you are a state employee, I encourage you to do the same.
Sincerely,
—
(Eric Havens, they/them, Lawrence)
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