PLM SSC, PPG call for long-term policy on lived names

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council (PLM SSC) and PLM Propaganda (PLM PPG) called on the university administration to adopt a long-term policy recognizing lived names following its approval of their use in the upcoming 58th Commencement Exercises, Aug. 7.

In a joint statement, the organizations welcomed the administration’s decision to allow transgender and non-conforming individuals to use their lived names during the ceremony, while also urging the university to adopt a clear policy that would prevent the need to submit requests every year.

“‎Ang isang inklusibong pamantasan ay hindi dapat nakabatay sa mga pansamantalang pag-apruba, kundi sa mga polisiyang kumikilala at gumagalang sa karapatan at dignidad ng lahat ng estudyante.”

They emphasized that recognizing lived names goes beyond using preferred names, stating that it acknowledges the identities, experiences, and sacrifices of students throughout their academic journey. This is the first Commencement Exercise to approve the use of lived names after the university denied last year’s request.

Meanwhile, SSC and PPG also pushed for the inclusion of the Gender Non-Conforming Uniform Policy in the Student Manual, to ensure that students can express their identities with dignity and security, without fear of discrimination. The university administration has yet to respond to the council and organization’s call for a permanent policy.