The National Multiple Sclerosis Society stands by its decision to exclude a 90-year-old volunteer because he “didn’t understand.” [preferred] pronoun. ”
“Volunteer Fran Itkoff was recently asked to leave her role due to comments that were deemed inconsistent with our inclusivity policies,” the nonprofit explained. statement. “Fran has been a valued member of our volunteer team for over 60 years.”
“We believe our staff acted with the best of intentions and did their best to overcome difficult issues. As an organization, we believe that our diversity, equity, and inclusion policies align with our mission. We are in ongoing discussions to ensure that we evolve towards this goal and will work with Fran towards this goal.”
According to reports national desk, Itkov has spent the past 60 years volunteering with the MS Society because her late husband had multiple sclerosis. However, a problem arose when she noticed that people were listing their “preferred pronouns” in communications with the nonprofit, although at the time she did not understand what that meant. , she pointed out.
“The last thing we talked about was [an MS Society representative] I thought I’d ask, “What does that mean?” And let her tell you. She said it meant ‘all-encompassing,’ but I didn’t know what that meant. ”
She then received a follow-up response to her inquiry, where she received an “email from.” [a representative] They said they were sorry but had to ask me to resign as a volunteer with the MS Society. ”
Itkov’s case went viral after her death. was interviewed Written by Chaya Laichik TikTok’s library.
Since then, the MS Society’s X account has been flooded with replies from people angry at the organization’s motives for releasing Itkov. face wire I will report it.
“I have had MS for 10 years and am grateful for people like Fran who have volunteered for 60 years to end MS in this day and age,” entrepreneur Spike Cohen wrote. “Why did you ask a 90-year-old volunteer who has been helping with events and fundraisers to cure our disease for decades to stop supporting us?”
The MS Society supports the decision but plans to contact Itkov, although it is unclear whether she will be invited to volunteer again.
Image credit: ©Getty Images/Dmitry Berkut
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributor to Christian Headlines and host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast dedicated to sound doctrine and Biblical truth. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary.
