In a controversial decision that has stirred political and social discourse, Frank Zamora, a program manager at the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), was terminated from his position for refusing to comply with a new directive issued by Governor Greg Abbott. The directive, announced on January 30, recognized only two sexes—male and female—and mandated the removal of gender pronouns from employee email signatures. The incident has drawn significant attention, with figures including Governor Abbott and Elon Musk voicing their support for the enforcement of the directive.
Zamora was presented with a choice to either remove the pronouns, resign, or face termination. Standing firm in his beliefs, he opted not to comply and was subsequently fired before noon in the first week of February. Governor Abbott celebrated this move on social media platform X, sharing a report from the Austin American-Statesman about the firing. Elon Musk also expressed his support for the dismissal, further amplifying the issue on social media.
The directive's implementation saw Zamora's supervisor send an email to TREC employees, notifying them of the changes to the email signature block template. The supervisor's message acknowledged the potential impact on employees but emphasized adherence to the governor's directive.
"Greetings all. It was a beautiful weekend in Austin and I hope you were able to enjoy it … On a very different note, based on a recent directive from Governor Abbott, the agency is modifying its employee email signature block template by removing preferred pronouns," – Zamora's supervisor
"The new template is attached. Please look at your signature and make sure yours complies. I understand this change may have an impact on employees and I am sensitive to that. The Governor, however, has directed the agency to act and so we will." – Zamora's supervisor
In his letter to supervisors, Zamora defended his stance by asserting that pronouns are an integral part of grammar and communication. He acknowledged his employer's right to dictate public interaction protocol but expressed that he had never been asked to comply with an order that conflicted with his personal beliefs.
"Pronouns are grammar. They’re a function of almost every sentence that we speak. Their origins go back to old English and the Vikings." – Zamora
"I recognize that my employer has the right to dictate the manner in which I address the public. I also recognize that in the grand scheme of things, the layout of an email signature block is a fairly innocuous and inconsequential piece of our daily duties." – Zamora
Zamora's decision to stand by his convictions reflects his deep concern over what he perceives as a politicization of pronouns and their use as a tool in a broader cultural conflict in Texas.
"However, we have chosen to make them a politicized topic and a hot-button issue." – Zamora
"I felt that this order was strictly passed down to appease a certain political movement, and that it was strictly done, essentially, to win a culture war." – Zamora
"And I do not believe that the LGBTQ+ community – trans individuals, non-binary, intersex or any individuals who choose to display their preferred pronouns – deserve to be made political collateral or to be put on the chopping block." – Zamora
This incident highlights a growing tension between personal beliefs and state policies in Texas, as individuals navigate mandates that challenge their personal convictions and professional responsibilities. Zamora noted his past attempts to separate personal beliefs from professional duties but felt compelled to take a stand on this issue.
"While I have long felt that there was a disconnect between my personal beliefs and my personal politics and that of the state which I live in, I always sort of wrote it off as separate entities," – Zamora
"Politics can change every two and four years, but a good career can be for life, so I sort of kept those two entities compartmentalized. I kept them separate. But I was firm in my convictions and I made the stand that I felt was right." – Zamora