Inclusive Language
ACE always strives for inclusivity in communications and everything else we do. As language and culture are always evolving, please feel free to reach out to marketing@ace.edu if you have any questions or would like the marketing department to review your communications.
Here are a few key points:
ACE follows AP Style and capitalizes Black, reflecting that it is an identity and culture rather than simply a skin color. Similarly, capitalize Hispanic, Asian, and other ethnic and cultural identities.
Avoid using only “he” or only “she” in generic examples. Avoid using “their” as a singular pronoun unless that is what the subject prefers instead of “he” or “she.” One of the easiest solutions is to make a sentence plural instead of singular:
Not this: A student should contact his faculty member to discuss the syllabus.
This: Students in the class should contact their faculty member to discuss the syllabus.
Do not assume gender. Do your best to find out the preferred pronoun of the person you’re writing about.
Avoid referring to a woman’s husband or a man’s wife (use spouse instead if you know that person is married).
Although we often refer to ACE as being good for people balancing a job and family, do not assume that is everyone’s experience. Be sparing with language about “being a mom” or “having a busy family” or “studying between work and soccer games.” Instead, use phrases such as “your busy life” or “finding time for school and still having time for life.”
Avoid references to religious holidays unless the relevance is very apparent. Use “the holiday season” instead of “the Christmas season”, “spring break” instead of “Easter break.” In addition, be aware that many areas of the country have renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. In this case, use “fall break” or “the upcoming long weekend,” and avoid referring to the holiday by name.