*This is an abbreviated version of the guide. To request the complete guide contact us at products@oneummahconsulting.com.

People in the workplace are increasingly aware of the need to use language that recognizes our diversity and does not offend, demean or exclude people on the basis of gender, race, ethnic group, religion, age, ability/disability or sexual orientation. In addition, many are searching for language that specifically includes and welcomes people, especially those from traditionally marginalized groups. Changing our language usage, however, does not come easily or automatically. Familiar ways of writing and speaking are more comfortable; substitute phrases do not always spring quickly to mind.

This guide is meant to help you find a more encompassing word or phrase when you need it and to be more attuned to language that, whether intended or not, may offend others. The guide aims primarily at written material, but applies as well to the spoken word.

This area of communication is controversial and in flux. Usage that groups prefer today may change next year. The point is to try to communicate in a way that is respectful of diversity. Also, the examples we cite may not satisfy everyone. For those who want more specific information or other alternatives, we have included a bibliography.

We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions on how to make this guide more useful and pertinent.

Gender

1. Include all people in general references by substituting gender-neutral words and phrases for gender-biased words.

   Example	Preferred
   mankind	people, humanity, human beings
   man-to-man defense	one-on-one defense

   
   
   

2. Communicate to everyone by including non gender-specific reference points whenever possible. Don’t presume marital or familial relationships.

   Example	Preferred
   faculty and wives	faculty and guests faculty and spouses
   you and your spouse are invited...	you and your guests are invited...
   boyfriends/girlfriends	friends, guests, partners
   Dear Sir,	Dear Colleague,
   She is a good basketball player. She shoots like a man.	She is a good basketball player. She shoots well.

   
   
   
3. Avoid phrases like real man or real woman, as they reinforce the idea that gender is a standard against which people are reasonably measured.

Age

1. Refer to a persons age only when it is relevant to the medium or the message. For example, communications that follow newspaper style are generally expected to state a subjects age. However, in most internal university communications age is not pertinent and its mention may even be distracting.

   Irrelevant	Relevant
   The researchers, ages 56 and 60, won a grant from NIH.	Patricia Schmidt, 12, will study at UW-Madison this spring. She is the youngest student ever to study at the University

   
   
   

2. If you use a generic age description, ask your subjects what wording they prefer. Do they refer to themselves as older persons or senior citizens? As youths, teenagers, or young people?

Race and Ethnicity

1. Aoid identifying people by race or ethnic group unless it is relevant. Labeling race, etc., reinforces whiteness as the norm, unless you consistently identify white/caucasian individuals by race as well.

2. Be sure your communications do not patronize or give token attention to members of racial or ethnic groups. Exaggerated focus on peoples accomplishments or insincere and gratuitous references to their concerns imply that they are not normally successful or accomplished, or are not considered to be in the mainstream of society.

Sexual Orientation

1. Sexual orientation is preferred to sexual preference. The latter term tends to imply that being Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual is a matter of choice, and that sex is the focus of the relationship.

2. Note that while Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people are typically considered to be part of one larger sexual minority community, the terms transgender or transsexual refer to gender identity, whereas Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual refer to sexual orientation. Transgender people are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual, in roughly the same proportion as non-Transgender people.

Adapted from a document created by the Office of University Relations, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prepared by Nehrwr Abdul-Wahid of One Ummah Consulting.

*This is an abbreviated version of the guide. To request the complete guide contact us at products@oneummahconsulting.com.

"Beth and Nehrwr brought so much experience, coupled with passion and integrity, it was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this transformative experience."

"Nehrwr had a dynamic way of changing my perspective. I appreciate that the diversity didn't focus on cultural aspects".
Community Education Staff Member
Roseville Area Schools