What is non-discriminatory writing? How can we avoid discrimination from writing?

Non-discriminatory writing: Non-discriminatory writing does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, beliefs or religion. It is easy to avoid gross examples of discrimination: expressions that portray one ethnic group as superior or inferior to others, or gender-specific language that favors males over females. A writer needs to be aware of other more subtle ways discriminatory language can interfere with main message.

Gender	·    Using masculine pronouns to generalize for all people. It is preferable to use “humankind” rather than “mankind” for example. ·    Using only men as examples
Disability and chronic illness	·       Emphasizing the chronic illness or disability rather than the person. Use “wheelchair user,” not “wheelchair bound.” Use “people with epilepsy” rather than “epileptics.”
Age	·    Focusing on age when it is not relevant. Use “the project manager,” for instance, rather than “the young project manager.” If you need to emphasize something related to inexperience, it is preferable to say “the inexperienced project manager.” Inexperience and youth are not synonyms, nor are age and wisdom.

Use non-discriminatory language

Titles of address, rank, occupation, status

Use a first name, a neutral title or nothing.

Where titles are appropriate, use parallel titles:

Instead of Miss or Mrs. Use: Ms to parallel Mr. (except where the woman prefers Miss or Mrs.)

Contact Professor Brown or his secretary Mary Smith, secretary: Contact Professor Brown or Ms (Miss or Mrs.) Mary Smith, secretary.

When listing names, use alphabetical order except where order by seniority is more important.

Patronizing and demeaning expressions: Avoid terms or expressions that are patronizing and demeaning and sex type generalizations.

Personal pronouns: Use he his, him, himself only when referring specifically to a male person.

The use of he and she, she and he, she/he, s/he to refer to either female or male persons can be cumbersome. The following are acceptable alternatives.

Rewrite the sentence in the plural.

Instead of: The lecturer will display his timetable on his door

Use: Lecturers will display their timetable on their office doors

However, a more acceptable form would be: Those who want their work evaluated...

It is not acceptable to present material with the disclaimer that all masculine nouns and pronouns are to be taken as referring to both females and males.

Sex role stereotyping: Avoid sexist assumptions and comments.

Instead of: Women and other minority groups

Use: Women Minority groups

Gender descriptions: Avoid irrelevant, gratuitous gender descriptions.

Instead of: A woman doctor

Use: A doctor

Word order: Vary the order of listing pairs of nouns and pronouns when the customary way of presenting the pair reflects stereotyped views of status.

Instead of: men and women

Use: Women and men

Language use for minority groups: Avoid racist language. Terms describing nationality, or an ethnic or other minority groups are frequently controversial, but some terms are more acceptable than others. Terms acceptable to people involved, however, may vary over time, and the careful speaker or author must become sensitive to what groups described prefer. For example, the term ‘Aboriginal people’ is preferred.

When referring to someone with a disability, the general rule is ‘put people first’, for example, a person with a vision impairment. When referring to facilities and services terms like ‘disability parking’ can be used.

Avoid using irrelevant, gratuitous ethnic descriptions.

Instead of: A Chinese Professor

Use: a Professor Teaching and promotional material. Demonstrate the relevance of teaching material to all students by depicting the experience and interests of both women and men. Relate examples and illustrations to a broad range of life experiences inclusive of gender and cultural diversity, not just a narrow range of experiences and interests.

Ensure promotion material - brochures, videos, prospectuses, end the like -feature both women and men and where appropriate reflect the cultural diversity of the University and the broader community.

Avoid the use of cartoons and illustrations that present stereotyped views of women and men.

Students should use this Guide in the preparation of assignments to ensure they are free from bias.