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Version 1.1.2 - July, 2008
Inclusive language
Ethnic/racial preferences
The terms black and white should be lowercase. Do not hyphenate, either in noun or adjective form. Capitalize identifications that contain a geographic term:
- African American
- Asian American
- German American
- Hispanic*
- Native American†
*Whenever possible use a specific designation term such as Puerto Rican or Cuban rather than the more generic Latinos and Latinas.
†Some Native groups prefer to be called Indian Americans. Where possible use a specific tribal designation, such as Cherokee or Abenaki.
Physical characteristics
Avoid usages of terms that are negative; emphasize the person, not the disability. Terms describing groups or individuals by physical characteristic or a disability are lowercased.
- Audience members who have a hearing impairment may request headphones.
- Sharon uses a wheelchair to navigate the campus.
Gender references
Use nonsexist language and avoid saying "he" when referring to an unspecified person. Recast the sentence into the plural, or avoid the use of pronouns altogether. If you must refer to a single person, use "he or she" not "he/she."
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use
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instead of
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chair
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chairman, chairperson
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business executive
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businessman
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female student
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coed student
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letterwinner
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letterman, letterwoman
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humankind
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mankind
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Alumna/alumnus
Everyone who matriculates at Dartmouth, whether a graduate or not, becomes an alumna (female plural: alumnae) or alumnus (male plural: alumni). The generic plural is alumni or alumni/ae. Do not use alum.
Class names
Use first year instead of freshman to refer to members of the first-year undergraduate class. Other class designations are sophomore, junior and senior.
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