An advocacy based toolkit based on legislation written by Assemblymember Arambula AB 2315, Affirmed Name and Gender Identification and SSCCC Resolution S22.04.11* Pronoun Inclusivity Programs

  • Resolution S22.04.11

  • Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people (e.g., they/them/theirs, she/her/hers, he/him/his). Using someone’s correct pronouns is an important way to affirm their identity and is a fundamental step in being an ally. Utilize these definitions in your advocacy to promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals.

  • This tool provides a fact sheet and summary of AB 2315, signed into law in September 2022, which mandates California Community Colleges to allow current students, staff, and faculty to declare affirmed names and genders for records without additional fees.

  • You can use this summary of AB 2315 for advocating by highlighting the importance of implementing systems in community college districts for declaring affirmed names and gender identities, ensuring timely record updates, adhering to the established timeline for full capability by the 2023–24 academic year, and emphasizing the prohibition of higher fees for such services.

  • The document contains the Chancellor's recommendation, including a clear process, potentially with a form, for students and employees to update their preferred names without requiring legal documentation, access to post-registration name and gender change forms, active outreach to inform students of additional changes, all in accordance with AB 2315.

  • Inform students of legislative changes, distribute flyers on campus, coordinate with the Admissions Office for record updates, and continue to be an ally and advocate. Here is a flyer example you can use.

S22.04.11*    Pronoun Inclusivity Programs 
Author: Franz Kieviet, Apoorva Gunti, and Civic Engagement Committee
Sponsored:  Associated Students of Irvine Valley College 
WHEREAS, in some districts, students, faculty, staff, and administrators have the ability to enter the name they want to be often known the First Name Program and students in some districts are not able to include their personal pronouns in Canvas, Campus Portals, and other digital environments; 
WHEREAS, some California community college’s have adopted gender inclusive language, curriculum, campaigns and/or programs to educate the campus and community on gender inclusivity, pronouns, and other issues that affect the LGBTQIA+ community; 
WHEREAS, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges approved Resolution 13.02 S21 which calls for faculty to be able to change and display their chosen name and pronouns across all digital platforms [1]; and 
WHEREAS, understanding that while names are a vital part of one’s identity, pronouns are essential in affirming that a student belongs in their college’s community and the ability for students to enter their personal pronouns is essential to their safety and dignity, and upholds respectful communication with their professors and peers throughout campus; now, therefore, be it 
RESOLVED, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage districts and colleges to adopt measures that would allow students to add and change their personal pronouns across all District digital environments; and 
RESOLVED, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges continue to advocate for the inclusion of personal pronouns for the college community, including students, faculty, and staff.

Citation 1: Academic Senate Resolution 13.02 S21 Enabling Display and Use of Faculty Chosen Name and Pronoun Across Campus and all Digital Environments 
https://www.asccc.org/resolutions/enabling-display-and-use-faculty-chosen-name-and-pr onoun-across-campus-and-all-digital