[lg policy] Cardiff Metropolitan University in the U.K Bans Gender-Specific Nouns For Cultural Diversity Initiative

[Harold Schiffman]

 U.K. University Bans Gender-Specific Nouns For Cultural Diversity
Initiative



Cardiff Metropolitan University in the U.K. has banned gender-specific
nouns such as "right-hand man," "sportsmanship" and "gentleman's
agreement." This is reportedly part of its initiative to use more
inclusive, gender-neutral language.

However, the school has been accused of censoring free speech. Other banned
words include "forefathers" and "mankind."

Its revised code of practice has stated that more appropriate terms should
be used, The Independent reported. Cardiff Metropolitan University also
said that a student's cultural background should not affect their choice of
words on campus.

34 words and phrases have been banned by the university as part of its
cultural diversity initiative. Students and staff will face disciplinary
measures if they fail to follow the language policy.

Some, though, have expressed their disappointment at Cardiff Metropolitan
University for restricting their free speech. The policy has been labeled
as an "insulting" attempt to tell them what they should or should not say.

University of Kent and author of "Academic Freedom in an Age of Conformity"
Dr. Joanna Williams described the policy as "authoritarian." She added that
it was an attempt to control the way people think and say things. She also
argued that the banned words were a result of history and "don't have
sexist associations," according to Express.

BBC noted that Cardiff Metropolitan University has offered alternatives to
gender-specific phrases. An example is using "best person for the job"
instead of "best man for the job." For "sportsmanship," "fairness, "good
humor" and "sense of fair play" should be used.

Last December, Oxford University has urged other higher education
institutions to be more gender neutral and "remove gender-specific titles."
It is aimed at enabling all members of its community to feel welcome, safe,
valued and supported.

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