university in South Africa has decided to no longer use titles such as Mr‚ Ms or Mrs. The University of Witwatersrand said it will stop using these titles on any form of communication with students. It took this decision to support people who were transgender or gender non-conforming. statement from officials read: " university realizes that it is invalidating and distressing for person who‚ for example‚ was...female at birth but identifies as male to be constantly addressed by non-affirming title." It added that people who were transgender or non-binary are choosing gender-neutral title "Mx," which is legally recognized in many countries across world.
decision has been widely welcomed by university community. university said it, "opposes all public and private discrimination on basis of gender identity and gender expression". university official said: "We want people in our university community to feel safe‚ supported and ultimately respected. As transgender person myself‚ it means a lot being in space which is welcoming." A law professor said action was, "the most wonderful moment for true equality across multitude of spectrums". She added: "It's triumph for understanding of diversity of gender identity‚ sexual orientation and right to be respected for whomever you are."
