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Avoiding sexism in writing Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible. Instead of   Use chairman, chairwoman*   chair mankind   people, humanity manpower   work force, employees to man   to staff, to run, to operate founding fathers   founders fathering   begetting, creating, fostering mothering   caring, nurturing fireman   firefighter policeman   police officer mailman   postal worker, postal carrier   *Use chairman, chairwoman or chairperson only if that is the person's official job title and always if it is the person's official job title. The heads of departments at WMU are officially appointed by the Board of Trustees with the title "chair." When possible, write in the plural. Instead of, "Each student must meet with his professor." Write, "All students must meet with their professors." Never write, "Each student must meet with their professor." Instead of, "Each alumnus was invited." Write, "All alumni were invited." Never write, "Each alumni was invited." In most writing, it is acceptable and preferable to address readers in the second person. This creates writing that is less legalistic and pedantic and which helps avoid gender-specific pronouns. Instead of, "The applicant should submit his resume by Nov. 1." Write, "Submit your resume by Nov. 1." Never write, "The applicant should submit your resume by Nov. 1." Eliminate the third-person singular possessive. Instead of, "Each child scribbled on his pad of paper." Write, "Each child scribbled on a pad of paper." Avoid writing that is awkward for the sake of gender equity Your goal is to avoid gender bias in your writing. In most cases, however, it is not the goal of your message to advance the cause of gender equity. Avoid writing that is legalistic or that makes gender or gender equity an unintended issue. Avoid slash constructions. Instead of, "Each student can choose his/her major." Write, "Each student can choose his or her major." Still better, "All students can choose their majors." Instead of, "Each alumnus/alumna gets a vote." Write, "Each alumnus or alumna gets a vote." Never write, "Each alumnus/na gets a vote." It is a reality of the English language that many words which may apply to men can equally apply to men and women. Only a woman can be an actress. Both women and men can be actors. The first definition of an actor is, "one who acts." It is not gender specific. Instead of, "Student actors and actresses will perform "Othello." Write, "Student actors will perform "Othello." Top of page

Office of University Relations Western Michigan University Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA (269) 387-8400 university-relations@wmich.edu Revised: May 23, 2007 www.wmich.edu/writing/