Inclusive Language
Use nonsexist language and follow these recommendations:
Don't say “he” when referring to an unspecified person. Instead, recast the sentence into the plural, or avoid the use of pronouns altogether.
- (Incorrect) Each student is expected to turn in his paper by the deadline.
- (Correct) Students are expected to turn in their papers by the deadline.
If it’s impossible to solve the problem using these approaches, remember that “he or she” is preferable to “he/she.”
Avoid gender-specific titles or terms, such as:
|
Instead of |
Use |
|
chairman |
chair |
|
businessman |
business executive, manager |
|
coed |
female student |
|
congressman |
representative, senator |
|
to man |
to staff, to run, to operate |
|
mankind |
people, humanity |
|
manpower |
workforce, employees |
Exception:
For organizations outside the University, use the language in their official title.
- Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke or Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve Board
Latin Suffixes
- alumnus/alumni (male graduate/plural; also plural for a group consisting of male and female graduates)
- alumna/alumnae (female graduate/plural)
- emerita/emeritae (retired faculty woman who keeps her rank or title/plural)
- emeritus/emeriti (retired faculty man who keeps his rank or title/plural; also plural for a group consisting of male and female retirees)
