Kansas universities update email signature policy after DEI law

(Metro Voice) — Universities across Kansas are ending what was seen as a divisive practice in communications in the wake of state guidelines targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

This week, University of Kansas officials announced a series of sweeping changes, following the Kansas Board of Regents’ recent decision. By July 31, all KU employees — including student workers — must remove gender-identifying pronouns and references to gender ideology from their email signatures and any official university communications.

“All employees shall comply with this directive,” read the message from KU leadership, including Chancellor Douglas A. Girod and Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer.

K-State previously made the decision announcing an Aug. 1 deadline for faculty, staff and student employees to remove gender-identifying pronouns from emails, name tags and office door name plates.

The actions are part of a broader requirement to align public universities with Senate Bill 125, which prohibits state-funded institutions from promoting DEI policies through programming or funding. The policy’s intent, supporters say, is to eliminate forced barriers and focus instead on shared purpose over personal identifiers such as gender or race.

Wichita State’s DEI policy segregated graduations

Similar directives have rolled out at Wichita State University, where faculty and staff were required to make the changes by mid-July.

Wichita State also combined previously race- and LGBTQ-segregated graduation ceremonies into one inclusive event called “The Toast,” opening attendance to all students. In a statement, Wichita State said it, “like many universities, is transitioning to a consolidated celebration for our graduating students in response to recent federal orders, agency guidance, and state legislation.”

KU’s leadership, perhaps sensing the changing public move toward what’s been termed “woke” policies, focused instead on the positive move away from divisive policies, stating, “At KU, we elevate the university and each other through our mission of education, research and service.”