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The University of Kansas (KU) has informed its faculty, staff, and student employees that they must remove gender-identifying pronouns from email signatures and other official communication platforms by July 31, in compliance with a new policy from the Kansas Board of Regents (KSBOR).
This directive is part of a broader institutional shift aligned with recent KSBOR-approved changes, and applies to all individuals with KU-affiliated email accounts, including those ending in @ku.edu, @kumc.edu, and @kletc.org, among others.
Leadership Issues Communication
In a joint statement, KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer, and Dr. Steve Stites, Executive Vice Chancellor for KU Medical Center, emphasized that all employees must adhere to the new guidelines:
“All employees shall comply with this directive by removing gender-identifying pronouns and personal pronoun series from their KU email signature blocks, webpages, Zoom/Teams screen IDs and any other form of university communications,” they stated.
The directive affects both faculty and students serving in university employment roles.
Part of Broader DEI Changes
The requirement to alter email signatures is one of five directives handed down by the Kansas Board of Regents, which focus on eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across public universities. The full list includes:
- Eliminating all DEI-related job positions
- Removing DEI policies, mandates, and programs
- Canceling DEI-related grants or contracts
- Ending mandatory DEI training for employees
These actions represent a significant departure from past institutional commitments to equity and inclusion within the university system.
Support Offered for Transition
KU leadership acknowledged the challenges that may arise from these changes and assured students and staff of support throughout the transition.
An online support link was provided for anyone needing help in updating their email communications and other affected platforms.
“At KU, we elevate the university and each other through our mission of education, research, and service,” the statement read. “Thank you for your dedication to the university and the people we serve.”
The University of Kansas is moving swiftly to implement the new state-mandated communication standards, reinforcing that gender pronouns and personal identifiers are to be completely removed from all official communication channels by July 31.
This marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s evolving approach to communication and statewide education policy. While some may find the directive challenging, KU has reaffirmed its commitment to its educational mission and to supporting its community during this transition.