This style guide attempts to address common questions that may arise about inclusive language.
We know that words matter, so this document will attempt to offer thoughtful, practical guidance in speaking to and about:
- women, men and people who don't identify with a specific gender;
- people of various races and ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic/Latino/Latinx, Asian and Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native American;
- people with disabilities, including neurodivergence;
- people who are low-income and/or underserved; and
- people who identify as gay, bisexual, lesbian, queer, transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary.
Each of these is a huge topic unto itself and the language around many of these groups is changing, in some cases very rapidly. When in doubt, always ask people how they identify in terms of race, gender, economic background and ability, and use those terms to reference them.
This guide is just a first step in what we know will be an ever-evolving document. As such, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at oedi@neiu.edu or (773) 442-5404 if you have questions about the style guide.
