What is discriminatory language?
Many common English terms and expressions create and reinforce bias against individuals and groups of people. Often, this is done unconsciously. Even when used unconsciously, it could create an environment that is humiliating, offensive and alienating in its effects. Language can also have the effect of creating and reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular groups of people by either exaggerating or isolating particular features of that group. State and federal legislation make it unlawful to discriminate against people on the basis of their sex, marital status, sexuality, pregnancy, race, national or ethnic origins, disability, age and religion. Discrimination means the unfair treatment of a person based on these attributes and includes the use of words and expressions to label or describe individuals or groups of people. Harassment, which is behaviour that offends, humiliates, intimidates or creates a hostile environment, is also a form of discrimination. Discriminatory langu
