Addressing Students by Their Chosen Pronouns: A Legal and Ethical Obligation for Teachers

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Introduction to Gender Pronouns in Education

With the increasing diversity of gender identities in schools, it has become imperative for teachers to address students using the pronouns they have chosen. For many students, especially those who are transgender or non-binary, their comfort and dignity depend on being recognized and respected with the appropriate pronouns. Failure to do so can lead to significant confusion, distress, and negative impacts on their overall well-being.

Consider the perspective of Kacy, for instance. Born as a boy, Kacy identified as a girl, and her teachers' effort to address her with a different set of pronouns would have been confusing and inappropriate. As she stated, "I have someone who looks like a girl, acts like a girl, sounds like a girl, and is a girl, and in for teachers to go out their way to call me he him or a boy. He's just going to confuse everyone and the teacher is just going to be outnumbered by everyone else."

Understanding Legal and Ethical Obligations

The question of whether teachers are required to address students by the pronouns they have chosen is a multifaceted issue. From a legal standpoint, there is no straightforward answer, as policies vary from school to school. However, it is widely acknowledged that teachers have a moral and ethical obligation to respect the identities of their students.

Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child has the right to be respected as an individual, including their own identity and gender expression. In the context of public schools, where children are under the care and supervision of teachers, the obligation to respect the self-identification of students is paramount.

As a fellow human being, teacher, and professional, failure to respect a student's chosen pronouns is not just a matter of opinion. It is a matter of recognizing and supporting the individual inborn unalienable rights of the children in their care. Teachers are not only impeding their students' growth and development by disregarding self-identification, but they are potentially causing harm by not respecting and affirming their students' identities.

The Impact of Misgendering on Students

Misgendering a student can have profound and lasting effects on their mental health and emotional well-being. According to the GLSEN National School Climate Survey, students who experience misgendering or other forms of gender discrimination are more likely to experience increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

A teacher who misgenders a student is not only creating a hostile environment but also reinforcing harmful stereotypes and behaviors. This can perpetuate a cycle of discrimination and exclusion. As Kacy put it, "You call me he him you’re just going to make yourself look like an idiot and you would be wrong." By addressing students by the pronouns they have chosen, teachers are not only showing respect and support but also setting a positive example for others to follow.

Addressing Misogyny and Misgendering

Misgendering is not just a problem for transgender or non-binary students; it can affect any student. For example, a student who identifies as non-binary might prefer they/them pronouns. It is the responsibility of teachers to listen to and respect their students' preferences. Some students may be more comfortable using traditional gendered pronouns, such as he/him or she/her, while others may use non-binary options like they/them.

Teachers can create a welcoming environment by implementing policies and practices that support the use of chosen pronouns. This can include:

Training on gender identity and pronoun use Addressing the issue in class discussions Creating safe spaces for students to share their pronouns Providing resources for students and parents

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, addressing students by the pronouns they have chosen is not just a matter of personal preference; it is a matter of fulfilling legal and ethical obligations. Teachers play a critical role in the lives of their students, and their actions can have a profound impact on their well-being. By respecting and supporting the self-identification of their students, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

Let us, as a society, continue to advocate for the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals and recognize the importance of respecting their chosen pronouns. Together, we can ensure that every student feels valued, respected, and supported in their educational journey.

For further resources and information on supporting transgender and non-binary students, visit:

GLSEN Trans Equality Human Rights Campaign