After reports of Brighton University releasing a document of words to replace offensive ones in the classroom, it seems as if they were not the only ones. In May, Stanford University released a guide to make their environment more inclusive.
The American university has taken steps to help improve inclusiveness at the institute and to stop the commonness of words that could be considered harmful or offensive. In May, Stanford uploaded the guide to their website, the Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative. Although the actual guide is password protected, the website offers examples of what will be said going forward and why.
The Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative
The website says that the guide is “geared towards helping individuals recognize and address potentially harmful language they may be using.”
The guide says that the words are tailored to the US language, beginning with everyday words that individuals use. Words are then split into different categories to do with the problem they are addressing.
- Ableism
- Ageism
- Culturally Appropriative
- Gender-based
- Imprecise Language
- Institutionalized Racism
- Person-first
- Violent
Any words that Stanford University still thinks are important but don’t fit into any of the above categories go into Additional Consideration. Users can search for specific words on the guide by logging in and clicking Expand All Categories. Or, you can just scroll through each category to get a more in-depth knowledge of the changes.
The guide is just the first step of the university’s initiative. Next, they will be changing words on their websites and scanning code to ensure that inclusive language is being used.
What Offensive Words Has The Stanford University Guide Removed?
Although the full list is not available to those without a login, the Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative site has offered examples of what is included.
Terms such as walk-in hours or walk-up support hours are being removed in favor of open office hours or open support hours. This is so it inclusive for those who need a wheelchair and therefore doesn’t have the ability to walk.
Another example are the terms whitelisted and blacklisted, which connote ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ The words have been subconsciously racialized, so Stanford University will be using ‘allowlist’ and ‘denylist’ going forward.
The university will also be promoting the use of ‘wild’ or ‘surprising’ over the exclamative, insane. The latter trivializes the experience of those with mental health conditions.
Of course, much more is available to the staff and students of Stanford University. Brighton University also released a similar document earlier this year. Perhaps universities are taking the right steps to become more inclusive environments.