Inclusive Language
As a society, we increasingly recognize that some words, phrases and terms cause harm to marginalized groups by perpetuating bias and reinforcing false perceptions and stereotypes. Most people are aware of egregious examples, but other words and phrases may be more subtly discriminatory or have historic roots that are problematic.
KU Information Technology is working to address historic inequities in our industry and create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone belongs. The language we use personally and professionally matters, because words have the power to either exclude or include.
We are working to change the traditional IT terminology that does not represent our values of Impact & Belonging and our commitment to a Community of Care.
For more information about our Impact & Belonging efforts, please contact our KU IT Impact Advisor at itimpactadvisor@ku.edu.
What is Inclusive Language?
Inclusive language refers to the use of language that avoids excluding certain groups of people or perpetuating stereotypes. It aims to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors. Inclusive language is important in fostering a diverse and respectful community, promoting equality, and avoiding language that may unintentionally marginalize or exclude certain groups. It is a key aspect of promoting diversity and creating a more inclusive and welcoming society.
| Historical Language | Inclusive Language | Context | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| black box | closed box, closed system, | Using "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable and "white" for things that are good, right or desirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| black hat hacker | malicious hacker, unethical hacker, criminal | Using "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable and "white" for things that are good, right or desirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| black list | deny/denied list | Using "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable and "white" for things that are good, right or desirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| black out days/dates | blocked days/dates | Using "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable and "white" for things that are good, right or desirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| dumb terminal | terminal, thin client | The term "dumb" historically referred to someone who was mute and often considered helpless or not intelligent. | ||
| dummy value | placeholder value, sample value | The term "dumb" historically referred to someone who was mute and often considered helpless or not intelligent. | ||
| first-class citizen | type | Implies that others are second-class or lower class, which is a form of classism that favors certain groups and perpetuates prejudice against other groups. | ||
| first-class control, first-class function | object control, object function | Implies that others are second-class or lower class, which is a form of classism that favors certain groups and perpetuates prejudice against other groups. | ||
| first-class data type | entity | Implies that others are second-class or lower class, which is a form of classism that favors certain groups and perpetuates prejudice against other groups. | ||
| grandfathered in, grandfathering, grandfather clause | legacy, legacy status, exempt | In the context of voting rights, the grandfather clause was used in the Southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th to disenfranchise Black voters. Under these clauses, individuals were only allowed to vote if they or their ancestors had been eligible to vote before a specific date. Since many African Americans were disenfranchised before that date due to discriminatory practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and violence, the grandfather clause effectively excluded them from voting. | ||
| Kanban flow master | Kanban flow manager | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. In addition, the term may be seen as gender-specific. | ||
| male/female connector or fastener | connector/receptacle, plug/socket | Use of male or female anatomy to describe connectors and fasteners and sexualizing how they fit together is inherently problematic. | ||
| man-in-the-middle | person-in-the-middle, machine-in-the-middle | Use of the word "man" is sexist and not inclusive. | ||
| master server | primary server, main server | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. In addition, the term may be seen as gender-specific. | ||
| master-slave (relationship) | primary-replica, active-passive, active-standby, lead-support | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. | ||
| master branch | main branch, trunk | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. In addition, the term may be seen as gender-specific. | ||
| mob programming | whole team programming, swarm programming | “Mob” generally has negative and derogatory connotations and has historically been disproportionately used in a racial context. | ||
| mom/girlfriend test | user test | The assumption that if a mom or girlfriend can use a program anyone can is both sexist and ageist. | ||
| red team; white team; yellow team | cyber offense; cyber exercise cell; DevSecOps team | Labeling “white” as good, “red” as attackers and/or “yellow” as excluded third parties has offensive racial connotations. | ||
| sanity check | quick check, confidence check | "Sanity check" stigmatizes mental illness by using "sanity" as a measure for "correct" or "right" or "appropriate." | ||
| scrum master | Scrum leader, Scrum guide, Agile lead | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. In addition, the term may be seen as gender-specific. | ||
| slave server | secondary server, standby server | The word "slave" carries historical connotations related to slavery. | ||
| webmaster | web manager, website manager | The word "master" carries historical connotations related to slavery. In addition, the term may be seen as gender-specific. | ||
| white box | open box, known box, | Using "white" for things that are good, right or desirable and "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| white hat hacker | security researcher, ethical hacker | Using "white" for things that are good, right or desirable and "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. | ||
| white list | allow list | Using "white" for things that are good, right or desirable and "black" when referring to things that are bad, wrong or undesirable perpetuates perceptions and stereotypes that harm and/or oppress people of color. |