The University of Alabama at Birmingham will launch a new Inclusive Language course. The course, created and facilitated by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), is designed to help students, faculty and staff become more inclusive in their communication, including presentations, lectures, research and more.
The Inclusive Language course is the latest addition to the Diversity Education curriculum. The 90-minute, instructor-led course is an interactive discussion that provides context on the benefits of inclusive language, the strategic approaches to the use of inclusive language, and interactive activities on how to use inclusive language in all forms of communication. The Cultural Awareness Building Blocks, Unconscious Bias, SafeZone, and Bystander Intervention courses are prerequisites.
“Being mindful and intentional in our written and oral communication is the foundation of bridging gaps between culture and identity and fostering respectful and civil relationships,” said Michelle Allen, Ed.D., diversity education director. “Using language that demonstrates cultural humility and inclusive excellence is accessible for us all and instrumental in the realization of our Shared Value: Diversity and Inclusiveness.”
Launched in tandem with UAB’s new Inclusive Language Guide, both the course and guide were developed to be educational tools and resources for ensuring that all of the diverse identities within the UAB Enterprise are respected and valued in all forms of communication. The intention is to assist faculty, staff, and student understand the impact of language that affirms rather than stigmatize underrepresented, marginalized, and subordinate identities.
The course launches September 1. Register here. If you have any questions about the course or the guide, email
View and download the guide here.