Language holds power. It can influence, uplift, connect, or put others down, sometimes unintentionally. In every setting, especially when working with people, we should choose our words with care. Language that affirms and includes others shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should feel like care in action.
Moving beyond “politically correct”
Historically, politically correct language focused on using certain words and phrases to avoid offending others, rather than understanding why certain terms matter. This framing can feel condescending or restrictive, making inclusive language seem performative rather than authentic. Instead, the goal should be to create a shared understanding of why inclusive language is a tool for affirming identity and belonging—not just a checkbox to avoid saying the wrong thing.
The importance of using inclusive language
The Harvard Graduate School of Education outlines the value of inclusive language in academic settings. It helps build environments where learners “feel safe, valued, and respected, which in turn fosters the conditions necessary for all students to take the risks that are necessary for learning.”
Language shapes relationships. Many people, whether they realize it or not, are impacted by the words used around them. Inclusive language creates space for people to show up authentically, which matters not just for students, but for faculty, staff and administrators, too.
When language causes harm, there’s an opportunity for open dialogue and growth in how we respond to correction. No one knows everything—and that’s OK. Being open to feedback, owning mistakes and committing to learning fosters growth and creates an atmosphere of trust, safety and allyship.
I’m on board—how do I start?
- Start by acknowledging that mistakes are part of the process and you won’t always get it right. Using inclusive language requires consistent practice, and being open to correction requires vulnerability and admitting you may have unintentionally harmed someone. But that willingness is the first step toward repair and connection.
- When someone shares their correct name, pronouns or preferences, it’s important to be mindful and make an effort to remember and use them. While you may make mistakes from time to time, consistent and intentional effort goes a long way in building trust.
- One final tip: center people in your language. Instead of reducing someone to a label (e.g., “the disabled”), use person-first language like “a person with a disability.” This emphasizes humanity and avoids defining someone solely by a characteristic.
Keep learning and adapting
Language evolves alongside culture, and institutions have a responsibility to adapt. Staying mindful of how we describe others is essential to nurturing inclusive, respectful communities. Instead of seeing inclusive language as an obligation, try to view it as an act of care—an invitation to create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Here are a few helpful resources to support your journey in using inclusive language and showing up as an ally in everyday conversations:
Written by David Akers, M.Ed.
David is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program coordinator for the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center at SIU School of Medicine. They are a counselor by training and are completing their Master’s in Public Health. David’s passions lie in promoting health equity, improving health outcomes for minoritized communities, and ensuring our health care workforce is trained to provide culturally proficient care and is reflective of the communities it serves.