At MHGS, we value the diversity of our community, confessing that God loves every one equally.  Inclusive language is important because it represents this diversity accurately and it facilitates a culture where difference is respected and valued.

MHGS expects members of its community to use inclusive language and to avoid the use of discriminatory language.  This includes avoiding demeaning terms or expressions reinforcing demeaning attitudes about persons or groups based on age, disability, gender, race, or national origin; and avoiding using masculine terms to refer to persons who might be either male or female.  Faculty, staff and students should strive to use anecdotes and examples, and bibliographic references that are representative of the whole population.
 

All syllabi, papers, or other written communications are covered by the terms of this policy.  In exceptional circumstances, for example, in artistic expression, certain terms and/or language may be acceptable if the overall context is deemed respectful.  For most circumstances, the style guides (APA Publication Manual, 5^th ed., 2001, pages 66-68; Chicago Manual of Style, 15^th ed., 2003, 233) and writer’s guides (e.g. A.A. Lunsford,  The Everyday Writer, 3^rd ed., 2004) offer assistance to apply these guidelines.