EXP DE+I Inclusive Language Guide

Rev. 2023

4 EXP | INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDE

Try to avoid microaggressions The short list of examples below is meant to highlight the importance of trying to identify biases to eliminating microaggressions due to the harmful nature, even if used without intent to discriminate or degrade an individual from a marginalized community. Many of these example terms, phrases and statements can be offensive to individuals, especially to those within marginalized groups, and impact their ability to have a discrimination-free work environment. With a diverse audience of employees, client and community members, understanding the root of the messaging and minimizing use can alleviate potentially negative consequences including damaged client and employee relationships and decreased morale. It is recommended to review the comprehensive list of microaggressions and their ways of showing up, in the resources portion of this document to fully realize their associated meanings and impacts:

“Indian giver”

“When I look at you, I don’t see color.”

“There is only one race, the human race.”

“Powwow”

“You should smile more.”

“That’s so gay.”

“That’s so ghetto.”

Language to promote more inclusion at work

LESS-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE

“Terms of endearment”

The individual’s name

Ladies, girls, dudes

Everyone, all, team or y’all, folks

Best man for the job

Best or most qualified person

Master

Leading, main, primary

Slave

Worker, work hard

Businessmen

Business personnel or businesspeople, professionals

Chairman

Chair

Mankind

Humankind, people or humanity

Synthetic, manufactured, artificial, handmade, machine-made, constructed or produced

Man-made

Manpower

Resources, personnel, employees or staff

To man

To operate or to staff

Minorities

Marginalized groups or underrepresented groups

Blocklist, avoid list Include list, preferred list

Blacklist Whitelist