In a move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, a 90-year-old California woman was abruptly dismissed from her volunteer position at the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. Fran Itkoff, who dedicated six decades of her life to the nonprofit organization, was let go because she did not understand the concept of personal pronouns in email signatures—a requirement that the society deemed part of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guidelines.
Fran Itkoff’s commitment to the MS Society began when her husband, an MS patient himself, ran the Long Beach Lakewood MS support group. After his passing 20 years ago, Itkoff took over his role, pouring her heart into the cause with the singular goal of aiding MS patients and advancing research for a cure. Her long-standing service had been recognized with multiple awards over the years, underscoring her dedication to the community she served.
It would be a shame if everyone tagged the @mssociety and asked why they forced a 90-year-old volunteer to step down over pronoun usage.
.@mssociety is accepting of everyone except elderly disabled people who don’t know what pronouns are. Doesn’t sound very inclusive! https://t.co/GMPJQUmo72
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 13, 2024
The incident that led to Itkoff’s dismissal occurred when a representative from the MS Society requested that she include her personal pronouns in her email signature. Confused by the request, Itkoff sought clarification, expressing her lack of understanding of the term and its implications. Despite her genuine attempt to comprehend the new policy, she was met with an email accusing her of violating the organization’s inclusivity policies and informing her of her immediate termination.
Itkoff’s daughter, Elle Hamilton, criticized the society’s decision, pointing out the irony of an organization that promotes inclusivity yet excludes a nonagenarian who has shown unwavering commitment to the cause. The story of Itkoff’s dismissal quickly went viral on social media, with many users expressing their dismay and calling for the MS Society to issue an apology and reinstate Itkoff.
It would be a shame if everyone tagged the @mssociety and asked why they forced a 90-year-old volunteer to step down over pronoun usage.
.@mssociety is accepting of everyone except elderly disabled people who don’t know what pronouns are. Doesn’t sound very inclusive!
— 2022 Republican Nominee for Florida HD42 🎯 (@BJacksonforFL) February 14, 2024
Supporters argue that this situation exemplifies a troubling trend where seasoned wisdom and experience are undervalued, and individuals are penalized for not keeping pace with rapidly changing social norms.
Critics of the society’s decision highlight the potential chilling effect such actions could have on volunteerism, particularly among older generations who may feel alienated by unfamiliar cultural shifts.
The backlash against the MS Society has been swift and severe, with some pledging to withhold donations until Itkoff is reinstated and receives a public apology. This outcry reflects a broader societal debate about the balance between progressive policies and respect for the contributions of all volunteers, regardless of their familiarity with evolving language conventions.
As the discourse continues, one thing remains clear: Fran Itkoff’s story has struck a chord with many who believe that compassion and understanding should prevail over rigid adherence to policy, especially when dealing with volunteers who have given a lifetime of service. The MS Society’s response to this incident will be closely watched as an indicator of how organizations navigate the complex intersection of inclusivity and respect for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their supporters.
