University of Kansas Libraries Offering Buttons For Employees, Visitors to Display Preferred Gender Pronouns

From the Lawrence Journal-World:

A number of University of Kansas Libraries employees now wear buttons showing their preferred gender pronouns. Extra buttons are offered for students who want one, too.
“Because gender is, itself, fluid and up to the individual,” a posted sign at the libraries explains. “Each person has the right to identify their own pronouns, and we encourage you to ask before assuming someone’s gender. Pronouns matter! Misgendering someone can have lasting consequences, and using the incorrect pronoun can be hurtful, disrespectful, and invalidate someone’s identity.”
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Library employees can choose whether they want to wear them, said Rebecca Smith, KU Libraries executive director of communications and advancement. She said there are extra buttons available at some library counters, and KU Libraries has reordered at least once to keep up with demand.
“We’ve told all of our front-line employees, if a student asks, give them a button,” Smith said.

Learn More: Read the Complete Article, View Image of Buttons

Filed under: Libraries, News