We want everyone to feel welcome, and ensuring we use language properly is essential to making Conex a diverse and inclusive organisation.
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Content Warning
This article contains offensive/defamatory language demonstrating what is unacceptable.
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Problematic ableist language has become part of common language and can be found in many popular phrases. We should strive to avoid using ableist words and phrases such as: 'crippled', 'insane', 'blind eye to', 'dumb'.
| Unsuitable ❌ | Suitable ✅ |
|---|---|
| Before publication, give everything a final sanity-check. | Before publication, give everything a final check for clarity. |
| That amount of data would cripple the system. | That amount of data would overwhelm the system. |
In most situations it is unnecessary to use gendered language. Rather than using he/him/his, she/her/hers in generic references, use gender neutral language such as they/them/their, or refer to them as 'the individual' or by role, 'the user', 'the analyst'.
| Unsuitable ❌ | Suitable ✅ |
|---|---|
| Manned spacecraft | Crewed spacecraft |
| Manmade materials | Synthetic, manufactured |
| Check that he/she is ready to go | Check that they're ready to go |
The use of offensive language is inexcusable, and if used accidentally should be corrected immediately and steps taken to ensure those involved are held accountable and resolve issues suitably where needed.
We highly recommend the GLAAD Media Reference Guide to learn more about how to use respectful, fair, and inclusive language regarding the LGBTQ community.
Microsoft's guide on using 'Bias-free Communication' gives further examples on using inclusive and diverse language in technical writing.
| Category | Offensive❌ | Suitable ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Racial Bias | Master / Slave | Parent / Child |
| Whitelist / Blacklist | Allowlist / Denylist | |
| Homophobic | homo / homosexual | Gay / Lesbian |
| Sexual preference | Sexual Orientation | |
| Transphobic | 'a transgender' | A transgender person |
| Mocking Mental Health | 'psycho' / 'lunatic' / 'retard' | - |
| Profanity | Full list here | - |
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We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Anyone found using defamatory language will be dealt with according to the Bullying & Harassment Policy
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