Don’t call me Ms or Mr, I’m Wits student
University drops gender titles
The University of the Witwatersrand has taken a decision not to use titles such as Mr‚ Ms or Mrs to reflect a student’s designation in university correspondence and on its student systems.
It said in a communiqué that the decision affirmed those who were transgender‚ nonbinary or gender nonconforming and who wished to hold a title that affirmed their identity.
“The university realises that it is invalidating and distressing for a person who‚ for example‚ was assigned female at birth but identifies as male to be constantly addressed by a nonaffirming title in university correspondence and systems.”
According to the statement‚ people who were transgender or nonbinary increasingly opted to use the gender-neutral title “Mx” which is legally recognised in many countries across the world.
But, Wits said while students could elect how to be addressed within the university community‚ it could not change a student’s title on any legal documentation like certificates.
“This is because the university is obliged to obey the terms of the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act of 2003 which stipulates that a sex description can only be altered by an order from the director-general of Home Affairs,” the university said.
It said that the institution “opposes all public and private discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression”.
The decision‚ which was taken following a proposal to the registrar’s office‚ has been widely welcomed by the university community.
The programme co-ordinator for sexual orientation and gender identity advocacy at the Wits Transformation and Employment Equity Office‚ Tish Lumos‚ said: “Administrative processes like addressing somebody by a particular name or title are intrinsically affirming for people who are transgender or gender nonconforming or gender queer.
“It makes you part of the university culture if you feel you are visibly appreciated and respected.”
Wits SRC secretary Warren Makoga also welcomed the move “because we are in a university that is cosmopolitan and it should be a free space for all”.