What’s In a Name?
Creating a Supportive Environment In the Classroom for Students
Document prepared by Maya Poran, Ebony Jackson (she, her, hers), and The Name Committee
September 2017
Many students identify themselves with names that are not matching those on official rosters and college forms, as well as other legal documents. This is very common for students who are transgender or gender variant in some way, although there are many other reasons that someone may have a name that does not match the legal documents. These include religious and spiritual needs, traditions from various cultures and international experiences, as well as other personal and unique needs in relation to identity.
We are reaching out to you on behalf of “The Name Committee.” Chaired by Melissa Van Der Wall (Dean of Students), this committee of students, staff, and faculty from various areas of campus are working to address issues regarding names, pronouns, gendered title markers (Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss), and related issues. Our goal is that all members of our community are recognized, included, and given the opportunity to identify themselves as they wish.
Some students indicate that being mis-named and mis-gendered is a source of stress, anxiety, and creates an environment in which it is difficult to learn and focus on class material. Our hope is that this document helps you maintain a positive and affirming environment in the classroom and beyond that will help all students feel welcome.
Create a space in the classroom for chosen names:
1. Make it known that you are aware, and supportive, of a student’s right to define themselves.
2. Make a statement: A simple statement of your commitment to create a safe environment for all students and work to be inclusive. Include this on your syllabus and think of including at the bottom of your emails. Here is a sample statement that you are welcome to use or edit as you see fit:
“I am committed to creating a safe environment for all students by working to be inclusive. This includes using the name and pronouns a student uses, using gender inclusive language, and trying not to make assumptions about one’s gender identity, religion, national origin, or other identities.”
3. Gender Pronouns on the syllabus: If you are comfortable, in your contact information, next to or under your name, you can write your gender pronouns.
Example:
Ebony F. Jackson, M.A
Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself
Coordinator | Women’s Center C-220
4. Write a statement on your syllabus regarding your awareness that, at present, our computer systems do not allow students to be listed under their chosen names and that you wish to work with students to have them fully recognized. Here is a sample statement that you are welcome to use or edit as you see fit:
“Presently, the College’s computer systems do not have an option for a “used” or “chosen name” entry. If you wish to be referred to by a name different than your legal name, please let me know so I can make this change in my own records.”
5. Create a custom roster. In the beginning of the semester, you can ask students to fill out a basic information card that includes their chosen names and the gender pronouns they use if they wish to share them (note: not all students are comfortable sharing their gender pronouns). You can then customize your own records (paper, electronic, etc.) so that students are properly represented.
6. Lead by example: When introducing yourself to the class, you can say who you are, share your gender pronouns, as well as what you would like to be called. In addition, work to address students by their names and refrain from using general gendered language such as “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys” or gendered titles (i.e., Ms., Miss, Mrs., Mr.). Another way to lead by example is to have your pronouns in your email signature.
Example:
All the best,
Ebony F. Jackson, M.A
Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself
Coordinator | Women’s Center C-220
7. Make a Mistake: If you make a mistake, apologize and move on! Importantly, highlight awareness of a mistake and don’t dwell there. This is an ongoing effort.
We are working on a system in which students can identify by their chosen name and have their name represented accurately on Banner, email, and other areas of college life; however, these initiatives will take time to accomplish. In the interim, there are other initiatives moving forward. For example, the committee created (and the Dean’s Council endorsed) the use of a Name Advocacy Letter. Students may contact the Dean of Students or Coordinator of the Women’s Center and request that a letter be e-mailed to their faculty (or others at the College) in order to inform them of the student’s used name and pronouns. You may be the recipient of the Name Advocacy Letter, so we ask that you honor the student’s request. Whatever you can do to create an inclusive space in your classroom will make a difference for the students who are learning from you.
For further information on Name and Gender Pronouns/Gender Inclusive language and education, please contact Maya Poran, Associate Professor of Psychology (mporan@ramapo.edu) or Ebony Jackson, Coordinator of the Women’s Center (ejackso1@ramapo.edu), and for further information on the Name Committee please contact Melissa Van Der Wall, Dean of Students: ( mvanderw@ramapo.edu).
Thank you for helping to make Ramapo classrooms a welcoming place to learn for all students.
