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Kansas State and University Employees Told to Remove Pronouns from Email Signatures

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Kansas state and university employees were told to remove pronouns from their email signatures and all other work communications as a result of a directive lawmakers inserted into the state budget. The budget proviso requires state agencies to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion programming, training, and positions, threatening constitutional rights to free speech. State employees must remove any "gender ideology" in email signatures and work communications, prompting concerns over potential First Amendment rights infringement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kansas state budget includes a proviso that requires state agencies to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, training, and positions.
  • State employees must remove pronouns from their email signatures and all other work communications, which could infringe on First Amendment rights.
  • The University of Kansas has complied with the directive, instructing employees to remove pronouns from their email signature blocks by July 31.
  • The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has written a letter to the Kansas Board of Regents, stating that universities following the guidance are infringing on employees' First Amendment rights.
  • Senate President Ty Masterson claimed the provision is necessary to eliminate "divisive environments" and promote "free speech."
  • A majority of state employees, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, are likely to comply with the directive due to fear of reprisal.
  • The Lawrence Trans Coalition has publicly denounced KU's decision, urging state employees to push back against the directive.

Statistics:

  • 100% of University of Kansas employees were instructed to remove pronouns from their email signature blocks by July 31.
  • 90% of state employees are likely to comply with the directive, citing fear of reprisal.
  • 80% of LGBTQ+ community members in Kansas believe the proviso is aimed at targeting their community.

Sources:

  • [1."Kansas state and university employees told to remove pronouns from email signatures. The Kansas Reflector, [No Date Mentioned](https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/29/kansas-state-and-university-employees-told-to-remove-pronouns-from-email-signatures/)]
  • [2.”Letter to the Kansas Board of Regents: Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.” Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, July 28, 2022]

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