90-year-old MS Society volunteer asked to resign due to lack of understanding of pronouns
An Elderly Volunteer for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is Forced to Step Down for Not Understanding Pronouns
An elderly volunteer for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society was told to step down from her position because she “did not understand pronouns,” according to an interview with Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok.
Fran Itkoff, 90, said she had been volunteering for the organization in her home state of California for about six decades before she was told to stop. She said she received multiple awards over that time and was generally commended for her hard work and dedication, but her failure to “abide by the MS Society’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guidelines” resulted in her dismissal.
Itkoff said she initially didn’t understand what she was being asked to do. “I was confused. I didn’t know what it was and what it meant,” the former volunteer told Raichik of being asked to incorporate pronouns into her email signature.
A fellow colleague had requested she use her pronouns, but Itkoff was confused.
“I had seen it on a couple of letters that had come in after the person’s name. But I didn’t know what that meant,” the CA resident continued. “So when I finally talked to her, I asked what does it mean… And she said that it meant they were all-inclusive, which didn’t make sense to me. Because it sounds like you are labeling for females, not males, if you are just putting in she/her.”
Itkoff was reportedly instructed to “step down” several days later via email. The reason for her dismissal was noted as a failure to comply with stated DEI initiatives.
“Unfortunately, based on the situation, we have made the difficult decision to have you step down from your volunteer position, effective immediately,” the email reads.
“I was completely shocked,” she said of being dismissed after 60 years of service. “I couldn’t believe that … I had to read it a couple of times to see if I’m getting what she said.”
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Itkoff volunteered in part because her husband had MS, a degenerative disease impacting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. He ran the Long Beach Lakewood MS support group before his death 20 years ago, she told Libs of TikTok.
Itkoff’s daughter, Elle Hamilton, was also disappointed to see her mother banished from her longtime volunteer position. “To me, it’s ironic, because they are saying they are inclusive, but they are excluding a 90-year-old disabled woman who has volunteered for 60 years,” she said.
“And literally the sole purpose was to help the MS patients and find a cure. … That’s literally all she does,” Hamilton continued.
How can organizations promote inclusivity and respect for individuals’ gender identities by incorporating pronouns into email signatures?
/him pronouns in her email signature, in order to demonstrate inclusivity and respect for individuals’ gender identities. However, Itkoff, who comes from a different generation, struggled to comprehend the significance of these pronouns and their impact on the transgender community.
The National MS Society, like many other organizations, has implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion guidelines to create a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals. These guidelines aim to ensure that individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds feel respected and included. Pronouns are an important aspect of this effort, as they allow individuals to express their gender identities and be acknowledged according to their preferred pronouns. Failing to recognize and use the correct pronouns can lead to feelings of alienation, invalidation, and distress among those whose identities may not align with societal norms.
While Itkoff’s decades of dedicated service to the organization should not be undermined, her dismissal raises important questions about the intersection of generational gaps and the ever-evolving landscape of social norms. It is essential to recognize that social progress and acceptance require ongoing education and adaptability, especially in areas where older generations may be less familiar or comfortable.
Although Itkoff’s lack of understanding in regards to pronoun usage may have been unintentional, it highlights the need for continued dialogue and education among individuals of all ages. It is crucial to approach these discussions with empathy, recognizing that not everyone is familiar with or comprehends the nuances of contemporary issues surrounding gender identity and pronouns. Education and open-mindedness are key in fostering an inclusive society where individuals are affirmed in their identities and respected in their pronoun preferences.
Instead of immediately dismissing Itkoff from her volunteer position, the National MS Society could have chosen to provide her with resources, training, and support to better understand and incorporate inclusivity practices. By offering educational workshops or seminars on topics such as pronouns, gender identity, and transgender experiences, organizations can bridge the gap between generations and promote greater understanding and acceptance.
Efforts should also be made to create intergenerational dialogues and mentorship programs, where individuals from different age groups can share their experiences, perspectives, and knowledge. This kind of interaction fosters empathy, mutual understanding, and growth for all parties involved. By bridging the gap between generations, organizations can ensure that everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their age or level of familiarity with contemporary social issues.
In conclusion, the case of Fran Itkoff’s forced resignation from her volunteer position at the National MS Society highlights the importance of continued education, dialogue, and empathy when addressing generational gaps and social norms. It is vital for organizations to provide resources and support to individuals who may be less familiar with and understanding of contemporary issues, such as gender identity and pronouns. By fostering intergenerational dialogue and offering educational opportunities, organizations can bridge the gap between generations and create inclusive environments where individuals feel affirmed and respected in their identities.
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