On July 24, UTD rescinded UTDPP1115, the policy dealing with students’ preferred names and pronouns.
Before its revocation, UTDPP1115 stated that “faculty, staff, and students are expected to use a student’s affirmed name and are encouraged to use their gender identity and affirmed pronouns” and that “UT Dallas [is] to be a campus at which students are treated with fairness as they pursue their education.” It also allowed the registrar’s office to collect affirmed details from all students, which includes preferred name and pronouns. Now, the policy website reads “Policy Rescinded.” UTDPP1115 began with a statement which read “UT Dallas is committed to integrating the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every level of our organization and operations.” Its removal comes as a consequence of the 88 legislature’s SB 17 which banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Michael Kesden, Academic Senate speaker and physics professor, suggested in April that UTD temporarily revoke UTDPP1115, citing university attorney Tim Shaw’s recommendation. At the July Academic Senate meeting, several attendees said the senate disbanding — a possibility under Senate Bill 37, which takes effect Sept. 1 — could jeopardize the creation of adaptation measures or support guidelines for students that would take the place of a rescinded UTDPP1115.
The UTD Atlas Service Portal still hosts instructions on how students can modify their “gender identity” or pronouns with the school and Galaxy still allows students to make such modifications. For changes to preferred names, students can email the registrar’s office. Without UTDPP1115, the registrar’s office is no longer required to collect this information. There has not been any public indication as to whether the registrar’s office will continue allowing students this option to register their preferred name or pronouns with the university.
Rescinding policies related to diversity initiatives is not new. On Feb. 6, 2024, UTDPP1022, the policy regarding UTD’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access standing committee, was rescinded in a similar manner after a year of being under revision. Both UTDPP1115 and UTDPP1022 displayed the subhead “this policy is impacted by Texas Education Code 51.5325 and is currently under revision” prior to revocation. The education code in question prohibits universities from maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion offices or initiatives. It does not prohibit universities from collecting data on students’ names, gender identities or pronouns.
This news brief is part of The Retrograde’s ongoing coverage of campus policy changes. Follow The Retrograde through its print issue or online at retrogradenews.com to keep up with latest stories.