6.8 Policy on Inclusive Language
Calvin College is committed to creating a campus environment which honors the diversity of gender and race in the Christian community. Since language is a powerful influence in our academic community, we are committed to using inclusive language in all areas of the Calvin community's life. We understand that some traditional uses of language (e.g., using man as a generic term to refer to all people), though once acceptable in our speaking and writing, now tend to alienate a substantial group of people. We want to avoid harm, even when no harm is intended, and we intend to avoid language which might express or encourage discrimination within the church or society. Our commitment to using inclusive language arises out of our desire to be a just, sympathetic, and disciplined community.
The college encourages writers of publications and documents of the following kinds to employ inclusive language:
- Those officially representing the college to potential students, their parents, alumni, the denomination, and other supporters;
- Those which the college produces for its students, staff, faculty, and administrators;
- Internal communications, such as committee reports, memos, and department minutes; and
- Written academic work by employees of the college.
Students, as participants in the academic community, should also be encouraged to use inclusive language in their writing.
6.8.1 Guidelines
Although the particular stylistic challenges of employing inclusive language may vary from one discipline to another, we can establish the following general guidelines:
- Avoid demeaning terms or expressions reinforcing demeaning attitudes about persons or groups based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, or national origin;
- Avoid using masculine
terms to refer to persons who might be either male or female, e.g.:
- avoid using man and mankind for reference to people in general;
- avoid the exclusive use of forms of he or she as references to a person whose gender is unspecified; and
- avoid using masculine titles (such as Chairman) for persons of both sexes.
Examples and further applications of the these guidelines can be found in the publication guidelines of the American Psychological Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, and many other professional organizations. Several representative samples are available in the bookstore and the library. Teaching faculty can also refer their students to The Riverside Handbook, the recommended English 101 text.
Anyone with concerns or questions about the substance, implications, or implementation of this policy may address them to the members of the Committee on Gender Equity.
