Building an Inclusive Â鶹ÉçÌý
Â鶹Éç is committed to fosteringÌýequitable, diverse, and inclusive environments where all members of our community can learn, teach, work, research, and thrive. As outlined inÌýÂ鶹Éç's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan, excellence in teaching, learning, research, and service is strengthened by the diversity of identities, experiences, perspectives, and ideas that make up our community. Â鶹Éç strives to create respectful and inclusive environments thatÌýidentifyÌýand address systemic barriers to participation and success while fosteringÌýa strong senseÌýof belonging for all.ÌýÌý
Language playsÌýan important roleÌýin achieving these goals. The words we choose can affirm people's identities,ÌýdemonstrateÌýrespect, and contribute to learning and work environments where everyone feels welcomed, recognized, and valued. Conversely, language that excludes, stereotypes, or misidentifies people can contribute to harm and reinforce barriers to participation.ÌýÌý
- What Is Inclusive Language?
- Pronouns Matter
- Supporting Community Members
- Creating Inclusive Environments
- Our Shared Responsibility
What Is Inclusive Language?
Inclusive language recognizes and respects the diversity of the Â鶹Éç community. It seeks to avoid assumptions about a person's identity, experiences, relationships, abilities, or background.
Using inclusive language involves:
- Choosing words that are respectful and welcoming;
- Avoiding stereotypes and unnecessary references to personal characteristics;
- Recognizing and valuing diverse identities and experiences;
- Referring to individuals using the names, pronouns, and terms they use for themselves;
- Creating communications that are accessible and understandable to diverse audiences.
Inclusive language contributes to Â鶹Éç's commitment to equity and inclusion by helping ensure that all community members feel seen, respected, and able to participate fully in university life.
Pronouns Matter
Using a person's correct pronouns is a simple yet important way of demonstrating respect and inclusion.
Pronouns are words used to refer to someone in place of their name. Common examples include:
- she/her
- he/him
- they/them
Some individuals may use other pronouns or a combination of pronouns. Pronouns should never be assumed based on a person's appearance, name, voice, or gender expression.
When someone's pronouns are used correctly, their identity is acknowledged and respected. Misgendering—using incorrect pronouns or language for a person—can be distressing and can undermine an individual's sense of safety, belonging, and inclusion.
Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Community Members
Â鶹Éç is committed to fostering environments where transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit members of the community are respected and included.
Everyone can contribute to this goal by:
- Using the names and pronouns a person has identified for themselves;
- Introducing themselves with their own pronouns when appropriate;
- Avoiding assumptions about gender;
- Respectfully correcting mistakes when they occur;
- Creating opportunities for individuals to share pronouns voluntarily rather than requiring disclosure;
- Recognizing that not everyone may be comfortable sharing pronouns publicly.
A respectful response when you make a mistake is to briefly apologize, correct yourself, and continue the conversation. Prolonged attention to the mistake may increase discomfort for the person affected.
Creating Inclusive Teaching, Learning, and Working Environments
Faculty, staff, students, and leaders across Â鶹Éç can help create inclusive environments by:
In Academic Settings
- Inviting, but not requiring, students to share names and pronouns.
- Using inclusive language in course materials and classroom discussions.
- Respecting names and pronouns in written and verbal communication.
- Addressing discriminatory or exclusionary behaviour when it occurs.
In Workplace Settings
- Including pronouns in email signatures, online profiles, or introductions as a voluntary practice.
- Using gender-neutral language where appropriate (for example, "everyone," "colleagues," "chair," or "they").
- Ensuring forms, systems, and communications are inclusive of diverse gender identities.
- Promoting respectful dialogue and accountability.
In Everyday Interactions
- Asking respectfully when unsure of a person's pronouns.
- Listening and responding with openness and respect.
- Recognizing that inclusion is an ongoing practice of learning, reflection, and action.
Our Shared Responsibility
Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion is a collective responsibility. By using inclusive language and respecting the identities of all members of our community, we help create the conditions for meaningful participation, mutual respect, and academic excellence.
Inclusive excellence requires more than representation alone. It requires a community culture in which every individual can contribute fully, be treated with dignity, and experience a genuine sense of belonging. Through everyday actions—including the language we use and our respect for people's names and pronouns—we can help build a Â鶹Éç where all members of the community are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.
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