South African university dropps Mr, Ms & Mrs titles because of students who are transgender/gender non-conforming

A South African university has dropped gender prefixes - Mr, Ms and Mrs - from all university communication to create a more inclusive environment for students who are transgender‚ non-binary or gender non-conforming.

According to a spokesperson at the prestigious Wits University's Transformation and Employment Equity Office, "Now they can specify the title they would like to have," even if it’s not linked to legal documentation. 

Explaining the decision, the spokesperson said;

Addressing somebody by a particular name or title are intrinsically affirming for people who are transgender or gender non-conforming or gender queer. It makes you part of the university culture if you feel you are visibly appreciated and respected.

The gender-neutral title "Mx", which is widely recognized in many countries across the world, is increasingly popular, the university said in a statement.
South Africa's Gender and Quality Commission has called the change at Wits University "very progressive", according to news site Eyewitness News, adding they "hope this can be taken forward" nationwide.