New Mexico State University drafts "gender-neutral language policy"

[Harold Schiffman]

On Universities' Special Obligations to Combat Sexism

New Mexico State University President's Commission on the Status of
Women has developed a draft "Gender-Neutral Language Policy"
(available here) for the University.  The Commission explains that
their policy is grounded in the belief that institutions have a
special responsibility for leadership in efforts against sexism:

Therefore, the university should seek to transform the behavior and
attitudes that legitimize and perpetuate the normal and social
exclusion of women. A heightened awareness of gender-neutral language
needs to become evident in universities and institutional training
programs. As well, our university may aid in promoting academic
excellence by ensuring that university policies, programs, services
and activities reflect the experiences and perspectives of the whole
society the university serves.

Lots of universities would do well to follow New Mexico State's lead.
Proponents of gender-neutral language at UNC, for example, are
fighting against cultural, administrative and historic tides. UNC
lists only two women among its "Famous Alumni."  C'mon UNC, you can do
better than that.  Start now by adopting a gender-neutral language
policy.

-Bridget Crawford


Text of draft here:
http://www.nmsu.edu/~uwomen/GenderNeutralLanguagePolicyDRAFT.pdf

-http://feministlawprofs.law.sc.edu/?p=2956
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