Inclusive Language

Boston University strives to use language that is free from words, phrases, or tones that reflect prejudiced, stereotyped, discriminatory, or limited views of particular people or groups. The following suggestions about ethnicity, gender, and gender-neutral words are intended to promote inclusiveness and factual accuracy*:

Race or ethnicity should be included in a story only when race is directly relevant to the story. Capitalize Black (adj.) when reflective of people who are part of the African diaspora with shared cultures and experiences; do not use Black as a singular or plural noun. Our editorial style is to capitalize the following: African American, Asian American, Black American, Native American, Latinx. Our style is to lowercase white (adj.), for people with light-colored skin whose backgrounds may spring from many different cultures. (This explanation is adapted from Seattle Times’ style guide.)

Avoid reference to gender unless it’s relevant to the topic of the piece, and use the correct gender identity or sex when it is relevant. Avoid language that reinforces the gender binary of “men” and “women.” Ideally, forms and questionnaires soliciting information about gender identity should have a “self-describe” option.

To make your language inclusive or gender-neutral, and to avoid the awkward “his or her” possessive, rephrase the sentence with a plural antecedent, whenever possible.

• Students received their diplomas; not Each student received his or her diploma.

Use of the second person (you and your) is also an option:

• You have many options when choosing your major.

It’s acceptable to use “their” in a singular context when the gender of the person is unspecified, not known, or the preferred pronoun of the individual:

• The student left their project on the lab bench.

The singular “they” is a gender-neutral pronoun that individuals can use regardless of their gender identity or gender expression. Individuals who use “they” pronouns can identify with any sex or gender.

Use the preferred name and pronouns for students, faculty, and staff about whom you are writing. All individuals should be asked which pronouns and what name they would like used.

Avoid assumptions about gender expression and familial relationships by replacing “daughter” or “son” with “student.”

• Your student will meet with an advisor, not Your daughter will meet with her advisor.

Avoid gender-specific titles and terms:

The gender-neutral pronouns “it” and “its” should be used when making reference to storms, ships, or other vessels.

Some helpful additional information on inclusive language:

• Chicago Manual of Style, 5.225: Nine techniques for achieving gender neutrality. (Examples: Use an article instead of a personal pronoun: “a student accused of cheating must waive his right to have his guidance counselor present” becomes “a student accused of cheating must waive the right to have a guidance counselor present.” Use the imperative mood: “a lifeguard must keep a close watch over children while she is monitoring the pool” becomes “a lifeguard must keep a close watch over children while monitoring the pool.”)
• GLAAD Media Reference Guide

Guidelines for referring to people: Use “person-first” language, which seeks to avoid reducing people to a set of labels. Do not use group designations (the mentally impaired). Instead, refer to the person first and the condition second.

*Sources: Chicago Manual of Style, Simmons College, Sarah Lawrence College, Princeton College