The Ohio State University’s Office of Institutional Equity and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are sharing this guidance about the use of chosen/preferred names and pronouns, along with action steps to promote an inclusive and equitable experience for all university students, staff, faculty, volunteers and visitors.
The Ohio State University’s Office of Institutional Equity and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are sharing this guidance about the use of chosen/preferred names and pronouns, along with action steps to promote an inclusive and equitable experience for all university students, staff, faculty, volunteers and visitors.
Ohio State is committed to building and maintaining a community that reflects diversity and improves opportunities for all. This commitment aligns with our institutional values of diversity and innovation, inclusion and equity, care and compassion, and integrity and respect. As part of this commitment, Ohio State is dedicated to creating a respectful, and safe environment for Buckeyes of all genders and sexual orientations.
The university’s Non-Discrimination Notice makes clear that Ohio State prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law, in its education program or activity, which includes employment.
In addition to our institutional commitment, there is an executive order (EO 14021) emphasizing that Title IX protections include gender identity and sexual orientation. The order came in the wake of the 2020 US Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, which found that Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination that was based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The following steps are encouraged to help uphold our shared values and create an inclusive community:
Use Chosen Name
Use an individual’s chosen/preferred name. There are very few instances where a legal name must be used. For example, legal names may be required in communications from external vendors that administer Ohio State benefits due to legal and compliance requirements related to the subject matter. However, colleges and units should consistently deliver communications using chosen/preferred name whenever possible.
The university offers the opportunity to use preferred names in addition to legal names. A preferred or chosen name is the name you are called in day-to-day life. While anyone is welcome to use a preferred name, this option has been developed to respond to the needs of those who prefer to use a name other than their legal name, for example, a middle name or nickname. This option is important for many members of our community including our LGBTQ+ students and employees as well as international students.
Use Stated Pronouns
Use an individual’s stated pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them, etc.) whether they are present or not. Best practice is to introduce yourself using your pronouns and invite others to do the same. To foster a culture of respect, Ohio State offers the option to select one’s pronouns within Ohio State’s information systems. Note: In broad communications, the pronouns they/their are acceptable to use as singular pronouns.
Understand Policies
If you want to learn more about your rights to be free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation and/or seek confidential and non-confidential resources and supportive measures, contact the Office of Institutional Equity:
-
- Online – reporting form at equity.osu.edu
- Phone – 614-247-5838
- Email – equity@osu.edu
Share Information About Inclusive Practices
Help Ohio State support inclusion by making sure students, staff, and faculty are aware they can:
- Set their pronouns in CarmenCanvas and Workday (employees), my.osu.edu, Ohio State mobile app, CarmenZoom, and OnCourse
- Add pronouns to their email signature and business card
- Set a preferred name on my.osu.edu or the OSU mobile app and use preferred name on BuckID.
- Engage in processes to legally change name and legal sex
Learn More
To learn more about how to support an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ Buckeyes, request a workshop from the Student Life Multicultural Center and review these educational resources:
Pronouns: What They are and Why they Matter
LGBTQ+ Staff & Faculty Resources | Ohio State University (osu.edu)
The university has made important strides in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As we continue to update our systems and processes, we look forward to the advancement of our work in alignment with Ohio State’s shared values for inclusion and equity.