Houghton University President Denies Firing Employees Over Pronoun Use in Email Signatures (Houghton, New York)

Houghton University, a liberal arts college affiliated with the Wesleyan Church, has faced criticism after two former employees claimed they were fired for including their preferred pronouns in email signatures. The university’s president, Wayne Lewis, Jr., has called the allegations “untrue,” emphasizing that the institution has not terminated staff solely based on the use of pronouns in signatures.

Raegan Zelaya and Shua Wilmot, former residence hall directors, told The New York Times that their decision to include “she/her” and “he/him” in their email signatures led to their dismissals. Zelaya shared a photo of her termination letter on Facebook, which stated she was relieved of her duties due to her refusal to remove pronouns from her email signature, despite her intention to resign.

Lewis clarified that Houghton has not fired employees “solely based on” the use of preferred pronouns in email signatures. He explained that the university implemented a more standardized approach to email signatures about a year ago, which included removing departmental links, Bible passages, and other elements, as well as prohibiting the use of preferred pronouns.

The policy, according to Lewis, aims to ensure transparency and alignment with the institution’s beliefs and doctrine. He stated that employees representing Houghton should include in their email signatures only those elements that reflect the university’s positions. “The things that are not in alignment with the institution should not be there,” he said.

Lewis argued that the policy stems from a place of compassion, particularly for those who hold differing views on biblical teachings regarding sexuality and gender. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent representation of the university’s values in all communications.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions within some Christian institutions regarding the use of preferred pronouns and the balance between individual expression and institutional doctrine.

Source: Read the original report