Culturally Sensitive Terminology
University Nondiscrimination Policy
Illinois Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, disability or national origin in its admissions policies, educational programs and activities or employment policies. Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy should be directed to the Office of the President, Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900.
Illinois Wesleyan University expressly recognizes the requirements of Title IX legislation. Title IX complaints should be reported to the University’s Title IX coordinator, who is the who is the Associate Provost (211 Holmes Hall, (309) 556-3255).
Illinois Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. The Vice President for Business and Finance, the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, and the Associate Provost are designated by the University to coordinate all efforts to comply with Section 504 and its implementing regulation 34 C.F.R. Part 104 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All questions should be directed to the University compliance coordinators indicated above.
Preferred Terminology
American Indian
Asian-American
Black
Gender-neutral
When appropriate, substitute non-gendered terms for those with masculine or feminine markers.
e.g. firefighter, police officer, flight attendant, server
Not: fireman/firewoman, policeman/policewoman, steward/stewardess, waiter/waitress
Avoid substituting person for man.
e.g. chair
Not: chairman, chairwoman, or chairperson
Exception: official titles including the terms chairman or chairwoman
When appropriate, write in the plural.
e.g. All students must meet with their professors.
Not: Each student must meet with his professor.
Never: Each student must meet with their professor.
When appropriate, write in the second person.
e.g. Students, you should bring your books to class.
Not: Each student should bring his books to class.
Avoid the third-person singular, gendered pronouns.
e.g. Each applicant submitted a resume.
Not: Each applicant submitted his resume.
Avoid slash constructions. If necessary, write he or she.
e.g. All performers played their instruments.
Not: Each performer played his/her instrument.
AP style notes that a few terms are still used to provide gender specificity. If desired, use of these terms may be avoided by substituting a verb for a noun.
e.g. host/hostess; Mrs. Smith was the hostess.
Instead: Mrs. Smith hosted the party.
Some proper terminology is gender specific.
e.g. alumna/alumnae/alumni/alumnus
When using terms such as these generally, the masculine/all plural form alumni is preferred. When using one of these terms in reference to one specific person, the gender specific should be used.
e.g. All alumni were recognized.
Not: Each alumnus was recognized.
Exception: Dr. Mona Gardner is an alumna of the University of Cincinnati.
See also Emerita, emeritae, emeriti, emeritus under Section II.
See also Alumna, alumnae, alumni, alumnus under Section II.
Heritage
Exception: American Indian, Native American
See also Hyphens under Section II.
Hispanic
Religions
Capitalize the names of religious orders and the terms applied to their members.
e.g. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church; They are Catholic
Do not capitalize terms such as church when used descriptively.
e.g. a Roman Catholic church
Terms such as rabbi or priest follow the same rules as other titles.
See also Titles under Section II.
Sexuality