An Irish university has removed controversial references in its gender identity policy.

The South East Technological University had previously stated that refusal by staff or students to use the preferred gender pronouns of another university member would constitute "unlawful discrimination or harassment".

In an updated policy released last week, SETU has removed the “unlawful” and is instead asking staff and students to avoid “unacceptable behaviour” and to avoid using a person’s pronouns “with which they do not identify”.

On Newstalk Breakfast today, SETU lecturer in world religions Colette Colfer welcomed the news.

“We’re living at a time where debates around gender identity, more broadly, are extremely toxic,” she said.

“I think we need to have open civil conversations in university settings.

“Universities should be places to foster debate instead of stifling it.

“Policies like this were working to shut down civil conversation on a topic that needs to be discussed.”

Choice

Ms Colfer said pronoun use should be a person’s choice.

“I don’t think people should be compelled to use preferred pronouns; it should be people’s choice,” she said.

“If we’re getting into a situation where people are told what they have to say, how they have to address a person, the words they have to say – you can’t compel or force a person to believe something.

“While I support the overall aims of the policy, I feel it’s important we treat all students and staff members in SETU with respect.”

SETU's campus in Waterford. Image: Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Colfer said it's important to respect the views of the “multicultural society” we live in.

“There are diverse religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, and indeed different beliefs about identities - and we must have consideration for everyone,” she said.

“I don’t think people, staff or students should be compelled to use preferred pronouns.

“I think we’re living at a time when it has become a toxic environment, to a large extent, in universities where people who have different views, religious and philosophical beliefs, are afraid to express their opinions - even if it’s done in a respectful way.”

Pushback

Ms Colfer said she has faced pushback from staff within SETU as a result of her opinions on gender pronoun use.

“There are impacts [of my opinions] and certain staff members who will shun me now, won’t meet me, or discuss things over a coffee,” she said.

“I’m happy to listen to people who have different opinions and I aspire to treat everyone, staff and students, with respect.

“I support the aims to foster a culture where everybody can fulfill their potential but I think that, with this topic in particular, it’s awful in universities today.

“Students are beginning to speak up on this, but some staff colleagues won’t even raise this issue in an email.”

SETU was formed in 2020 by the amalgamation of the Waterford Institute of Technology and the Institute of Technology Carlow.

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Main image: The South East Technological University. Image: SETU/Facebook