Inclusive Language Best Practices

Follow these recommendations for recognizing and respecting diversity in all its forms and centering equity in communication.

Core Principles

Respect: Treat all individuals and groups with dignity and respect.

Inclusivity: Use language that is welcoming and inclusive of all.

Authenticity: Be genuine and honest in your communication.

Clarity: Communicate clearly and concisely to avoid misunderstandings.

Avoid Stereotypes: Refrain from using generalizations or stereotypes about any group.

Gender-Inclusive Language: Use gender-neutral language whenever possible.

Person-First Language: Prioritize the person over the disability.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid offensive language.

Positive Language: Focus on positive and empowering language.

Active Voice: Use an active voice to create clear and engaging communication.

Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone across all communication channels.

See each specific entry under Common Quandaries for a detailed explanation.

everyone, folks, y’all
trans, transgender (note that trans and transgender are adjectives, not nouns)
first-year students
sophomores, juniors, seniors (rather than upperclassmen)
parents, families, supporters
humankind, humanity
human-made, human-caused
they/them/theirs (as a gender-neutral singular pronoun)