Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

Use Inclusive Language - Your Words Matter

People have become accustomed to so-called neutral language that defaults to masculine pronouns. It takes a conscious effort to speak in a way that is free of bias. 

Nelson Mandala the former president of South Africa who led the country out of apartheid once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you speak to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.

What is Inclusive Language?

Inclusive Language is the words and phrases you use that avoid biases, slang, and expressions that discriminate against groups of people based on race, gender, socioeconomic status and ability.

Gender Inclusive Examples

INSTEAD OF USING

TRY

Him, her, she, he

They

Man

Person, individual

Stewardess

Flight attendant

Actress

Actor

Congressman

Congressional representative, legislator

Man and wife

Husband and wife or partners

“Ladies” or “office girls”

Office staff

Gendered

Gender

Transgender(s) as a noun, transgendered

Transgender person

Bathroom bill

Non-discrimination law

Sex-change or sex-change operation

Sex reassignment (SRS) or gender affirming surgery

“Hey, guys” as a greeting

Hey, everyone” or “Hi all”

Mankind

People, human beings, humanity

Freshman

First-year student

Mailman

Mail or letter carrier