CEAT is One Step Toward Achieving Gender Inclusivity and Safer Spaces

Last August 2021, the CEAT Student Council sent a proposal to the CEAT Health, Wellness, and Gender Program Committee to extend the College’s recognition of gender identities to those who do not identify with either male or female. The Council believes that the lack of recognition that these things matter affects how students feel in classes, interact with other people, or live with their gender identities. It became even more crucial during the pandemic when their homes made exploration and identity-building inaccessible. Therefore, the Council deems that it is the collective duty of the College to give them those platforms, and it starts in the recognition that they exist and can exist regardless of their gender identity.

After several meetings, deliberations, and workshops, we are happy to inform you that all CEAT downloadable forms now include gender-neutral honorifics and pronouns since February 2022. You can check the forms here: https://ocs.ceat.uplb.edu.ph/ceat-downloadable-forms/.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CEAT Administration for accommodating our request and supporting us in our cause. More importantly, we want to thank the CEAT Office of the College Secretary (CEAT OCS) for spearheading the modification of the said forms. Your passion for service and love for your constituents is genuinely appreciated.

The proposal was led by the CEAT Students Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Committee. The Committee believes that it is only through validation and respect that we allow individuals to freely express and own their identities. And, it is only through collective efforts that we can make it happen. With this feat, we strongly urge the other UPLB Colleges and UP System Units to follow suit and heed the calls of their constituents for a more gender-inclusive environment.