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Inclusive IT Language Guide

OIT is committed to building a positive and inclusive environment that drives engagement, supports development, and enhances performance. By embracing our core values – especially those of inclusiveness and respect – we strengthen connections and collaborations across all of UCI. Respect for diverse perspectives and experiences in the workplace leads to a diversity of ideas, creative problem-solving, and innovation.

Illustration a diverse group of people

The language we use matters in our day-to-day business activities with team members and stakeholders. What we say and write has a profound impact on others. Even without ill will, poorly chosen words can push people away, undermine your purpose, and distract your audience. Inclusive language is designed to avoid excluding people on the basis of gender, sexual preference, age, race, ability, cultural background, etc. It avoids offensive language and aims for social justice.

This document should guide your terminology choices in your documentation, codebase, and discussions. Where you control the choice of words, you should choose wisely. We encourage you to use terminology from this guide in areas you can but understand there may be times when words from outside systems, legacy technology, or existing standards constrain your options. In those cases, consider inclusive alternatives, such as providing a mapping from old to new terminology, with source attribution when necessary.

Updated on
April 7, 2023