As times have changed, so too has the diversity of our student body, and with that change must come a change in how we do things, how we think, how we care for and about one another.
This is the “why” behind the development of the Inclusive Language Policy as part of our Strategic Plan. It is a document that seeks to give, not take away. To give everyone a feeling that they are being addressed by their peers and mentors as a person and an equal. It is a document designed to inspire awareness of people other than ourselves. The inclusive language document is a road map to a path of change, awareness, and fellowship, and as any road map, it only describes a route. It is up to us to mold the experience that will be the journey.
Toward that end, the college is implementing the Inclusion Language Policy effective April 9, 2020. The policy contains suggested inclusive language guidelines for students, faculty, administration and staff in order to make a conscious effort to help shift the campus climate and better ourselves and students in a caring, respectful and privileged manner. The anticipated impact of the policy on the college will be to help establish inclusive language standards for all forms of communication used by the college, aid in adhering to federal, state and institutional guidelines, laws, and regulations, and stop both intentional and unintentional discrimination on campus.
This policy will become standard policy for the college; and as such, it will be displayed on the college website. Further implementation of the policy will take place via online and in-person training. All of the Life West community has a role and responsibility to comply with the policy, and its related procedures to also ensure that the policy is properly implemented.
Our next steps include enriching existing curricular requirements to include broader and more complex understandings and professional competencies related to diversity and inclusion in classroom and clinical contexts.
The policy is available on the website under Policies and Disclosures.
Please contact Drs. David Straub and Annette Walker for questions or comments.