Inclusive Language Campaign Seeks To Eliminate Hurtful Words
Students at the University of Michigan are being asked to sign a pledge saying they won’t use certain words, such as “crazy” or “insane,” and will encourage their friends and peers not to use them either.
The pledge is part of an initiative called the Inclusive Language campaign, which, according to the school’s website, “aims to encourage the campus community to consider the impact of their word choices on others.” Posters are also popping up around campus urging everyone to only use inclusive language.
Some words deemed unacceptable by the campaign include: crazy, insane, retarded, gay, fag, illegal alien and ghetto. Phrases such as “I want to die” and “rape” referencing anything other than a literal crime are also banned. The words were identified as concerning by students in focus groups.
A statement from the university explained: “The Inclusive Language campaign raises awareness about the power of words, why certain language can be hurtful to others and how to be more inclusive in how we speak and act as members of the Michigan campus community.”
Source: CBS Detroit