Dear Readers,
I have seen too many headlines this year about states’ efforts to criminalize schoolteachers who use a student’s preferred pronouns or refer to them by their chosen name rather than what’s listed on the enrollment roster.
According to a report from the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, 40% of the transgender youth in the United States — nearly 121,100 students ages 13-17 — live in states that have passed or have introduced laws restricting or prohibiting the use of gender-affirming pronouns.
While America’s public school system isn’t exactly a beacon of progressive policy reform, in the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education it is more important than ever to recognize and honor the diverse identities of students.
As college admissions processes adapt to better serve all students, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ban on race-based affirmative action in admissions, it’s essential that we expand the ways in which students can self-identify — not only in terms of race and ethnicity but also in gender identity and naming.
Common App, the nonprofit organization that simplified applying to a collective of over 1,000 colleges and universities, has updated its application portal to include options for students to share their affirmed name, personal pronouns, and gender identity.
This is a meaningful step in the right direction.
The change reflects an understanding that identity is multifaceted and deeply personal. The names and pronouns students use are not mere preferences; they are core to who they are and how they navigate the world. These identifiers should be respected and used consistently in all aspects of the admissions process and beyond.
However, as we celebrate these advancements, we must also remain vigilant in ensuring that all institutions follow suit. The language we use in our admissions processes, in our classrooms, and across campus life must affirm each student’s identity.
By embracing terms like “lived name” and “personal pronouns,” schools send a powerful message: every student deserves to be seen and respected for who they are.
It’s not just about inclusivity; this is also about student success.
When people are allowed the safety to present themselves authentically, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Colleges and universities have a responsibility to provide all the tools at their disposal to foster environments where every student feels valued and supported, beginning with the admissions process.
If your school’s enrollment application, student database, and faculty management dashboard don’t yet offer these identity options, I encourage you to push for changes and help ensure that your institution not only accepts but celebrates the full spectrum of student identities.
By doing so, you are not just filling seats — you are building communities where every individual has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
Katy Abrams
