University Unveils Gender Neutral Pronoun Practice

KNOXVILLE, TN (WTXF) - A major university is looking to make sure everyone feels included.

Their latest inclusive practice involves non-gender specific pronouns.

A posting on the school's website explains that with the new semester beginning and an influx of new students, they want everyone to feel welcome.

The post explains, "We should not assume someone's gender by their appearance, nor by what is listed on a roster or in student information systems."

Additionally, instead of professors calling role on the first day of classes, they were asked to have students provide them with their name and pronouns.

Outside of the classroom, professors and students are asked to follow the same practice.

As for the pronouns, the post includes a chart that shows gender-neutral alternatives for singular pronouns like she, her, hers, his, and him.

More common alternatives include the singular for of they, them, and their.

The school is also encouraging use of newer gender specific pronouns ze, hir, hirs, and xe, xem, xyr.

To find out which pronoun an individual uses or prefers, the school suggests politely asking them.