Name Change Policies for Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex Students: Challenges Facing Spanish University Administrators

ABSTRACT Spanish universities are currently applying different protocols designed to facilitate name and/or gender changes in the documentation of trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals in their education communities in compliance with the legislation in force. These policies aim to address the discrimination experienced by these people in everyday life, guaranteeing certain rights in the university context. This study evaluates the implementation of one of these protocols in a public university from the perspective of the technical and administrative personnel responsible for its application. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the university staff responsible for implementing the protocol in a variety of university departments. Thematic coding was used to analyze the data in order to identify the key problems and the patterns related to its operation and impact. The results revealed important challenges in the implementation of the university protocol, including confusions about the process, inconsistent application between departments, technical limitations, and a general lack of knowledge about the reality of the lives of trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals. Protocols like the one studied represent an advance towards inclusion, but their effectiveness is limited by administrative, technical, and training barriers. Improvements in these areas are fundamental if regulations of this type are to be more than merely a façade. Universities need to prioritize a culture change that goes beyond complying with legislation or wishing to have a good reputation. A more comprehensive strategy could guarantee university involvement in the rights of trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.