Declaration action point: Avoid biased language

Posted on 23/06/2022

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Learn to identify and avoid biased language, for example in letters of recommendation, teaching evaluations, etc.

We are all biased. What can we do? The ALBA Declaration on Equity & Inclusion advises to implement unbiased selection, hiring, and assessment, by learning to identify and avoid biased language, for example in letters of recommendation, teaching evaluations, etc. This article provides useful tips & resources on best practices about inclusive language.

Issues

Vacancy position descriptions are notoriously biased to indicate the preferred gender by the employer. Letters of recommendations regularly reveal the professor or colleague’s conscious or unconscious bias towards the recommendee, just by language choices and gender-specific expressions.

Suggested actions

  • Test your own language bias knowledge on the EIGE website.
  • Consult your human resource specialists for support on writing job descriptions.

Resources

References:

Test your language:

Examples of Best practices:

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