Back in August 2021, Executive Memo 40 was rolled out across the University of Nebraska System. Also referred to as the Chosen Name & Gender Identity Policy, it allowed students to select their chosen name, gender identity, and pronouns across a number of university systems such as Canvas, MyRed, Firefly, Student Success Hub, and even Zoom. One can no longer find the original text of the policy anywhere on UNL’s webpages, but you can read about it in this NE Today article when it was first implemented. When you click on the link to the policy in the NE Today article, you’ll get a “Web Content Not Found” error. On this page, which offers directions on how to manage your personal information, all links pertaining to EM 40 are broken.
On November 12, 2025, President Gold signed a revised version of Executive Memo 40, which only retains the option to use a chosen name. You can read the revised version here. It was not publicized, and the feature to choose your pronouns was disabled across all platforms. The Gender and Sexuality Center can no longer offer a variety of presentations such as LGBTQA+ 101 and Pronouns 101 or workshops on sexual health and men and masculinities. You may have noticed some other changes to language across campus. Gender Inclusive Housing is now “Dynamic Housing,” while references to awards and events that use words like “diversity,” “inclusivity,” and “women” are quietly being rephrased.
Since I advise three units – English/Film Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Women’s & Gender Studies – whose students understand the power and nuance of language as well as the importance of community, I feel it is especially important for you all to consider what these changes mean and to voice your concerns, should you have them. Very few faculty know about these changes; even fewer students know. Bring this to the attention of ASUN; tell a DN reporter or a writer for the Dailyer. Ask questions (in good faith). But above all, don't forget to care for yourselves and one another.