Student-Friendly Language

The language we use can help every student feel included in our classrooms. Here are two practices we recommend.

1) Use Asset-Based Language

Asset-based language focuses on the strengths of the diverse students, educators, and communities we serve. We suggest:

• Avoiding labeling students (explicitly or implicitly) as "at risk."

• Capitalizing Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous.

• Replacing potentially problematic language:

2) Practice Gender Inclusion

What Gender neutral language? Gender neutral language also referred to as gender inclusive language, means "speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes."

We suggest that educators:

• Consider listing pronouns. Sharing your gender pronouns can help others feel comfortable sharing theirs. You are encouraged to list your pronouns (i.e. she/her/hers) after your name, but please do not ask or require others to list theirs.

• Embrace the singular "they."  Move past the gender binary by replacing “he or she” with the more neutral and inclusive “they.”

• Swap out “male-specific” words for neutral alternatives. Use “chairperson” instead of “chairman,” “personnel” instead of “manpower,” etc.

• Eliminate gender-biased expressions. Expressions such as “manly,” “like a girl,” etc. can reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.  Avoid them where possible.