The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently implemented a new policy regarding gender pronouns, which is facing criticism from Roger Severino, a Heritage Foundation expert and former HHS official. Severino argues that this new policy infringes on employee rights and could result in terminations for ‘misgendering.’
Severino, who initially reported the policy change on social media, claims that HHS is requiring its employees to “speak falsehoods.” He argues that this violates the First Amendment rights of federal employees, which protect them from being forced to propagate untruths, adopt government-approved ideologies, or deny their faith.
The policy, which forms part of the HHS’s “Gender Identity and Non-Discrimination Guidance,” states that all employees should be addressed by the names and pronouns they use to describe themselves. The aim, according to the HHS, is to foster a discrimination-free work environment where all employees are treated with dignity.
Severino attributes the push for this policy to two White House executive orders issued in January 2021 and June 2022, which were designed to combat gender discrimination based on gender identity.
An additional component of the policy allows employees to choose their attire and restroom facilities based on their identified gender. Severino highlights potential issues with this, stating that it could lead to uncomfortable situations in locker rooms and bathrooms.
Severino suggests that employees may have legal recourse against policies like this, as governments cannot compel speech, particularly false speech. He also emphasizes the need to respect employees’ faith, arguing that policies forcing employees to deny their gender reality or contradict their beliefs can negatively impact morale and productivity.
Fox News reached out to HHS and the White House for comments but received no response.