Just over a week ago, I launched this petition to urge the UW Faculty Senate to allow students to have their chosen first names reflected on their diplomas. Today, over 22,500 individuals have signed on in support. Additionally, UAW 4121 (the union of academic student employees and postdocs at UW), the UW GPSS, and the Seattle LGBTQ Commission have endorsed or voiced their support of this policy change. I am hopeful that, just as I use the name “Vern” when receiving mail, on my debit card, on my student ID, and even on prestigious awards I received from UW, I will be able to use the name “Vern” on my diploma next spring.

However, the petition is about a far bigger issue than my own individual situation--roughly half of trans individuals in the United States do not have an ID or record with the name they prefer. Some of these individuals don’t want to legally change their names, but for others it is simply not possible at this time. There are many legal and financial barriers to changing one’s name. In 10 states and 4 U.S. territories, there are laws requiring the publication of a name change announcement -- this can out trans people, endangering our employment status or safety. For individuals with criminal records, there are 25 states with laws adding further restrictions or requirements to change one’s names. For many international students or those who are dual-citizens, changing one’s name comes with its own unique challenges. While our transcripts will still reflect a legal name, joining the many other universities allowing chosen names on diplomas is a must.

In launching this petition, I’ve heard from many others about varying barriers they’ve faced in obtaining a diploma from UW that they feel proud and comfortable displaying -- whether it is about accented letters, using a non-Latin alphabet, a nickname, or the name that a trans individual uses in their day-to-day life, every graduate deserves a diploma they can display.

After hearing back from the outgoing chair of the Faculty Senate, I am optimistic that the incoming chair will meet with me this summer to discuss this important issue and streamline a policy change either over the summer or first thing in the fall. Please keep sharing this petition with your networks until the policy change is official!  
https://www.change.org/ADiplomaToBeProudOf 

Ever onward!
Vern