Cardiff University bans phrases such as 'mankind' and 'right-hand man'

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education...ans-agreement/

Cardiff University ban phrases such as 'mankind' and 'right-hand man'

Social Justice Warriors strike again as gender neutral terms are introduced

A university has banned phrases such as “right-hand man” and “gentleman’s agreement” under its code of practice on inclusive language.

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s guidance dictates that “gender-neutral” terms should be used where possible, adding that students should not allow their “cultural background” to affect their choice of words.

It advises that the terms “forefathers”, “mankind” and “sportsmanship” should be avoided, as part of efforts to “embrace cultural diversity” through language.

The university has been accused of undermining free speech and “insulting” students and academics by attempting to dictate their choice of words.

Dr Joanna Williams, a lecturer in higher education the University of Kent and author of Academic Freedom in an Age of Conformity, said that advising that certain words are banned is “unnecessary”.

“It is a very authoritarian attempt to control the way people think and the language people use,” she said.

“The idea that in a university people need to be dictated to in this way is really insulting to students and academics, we should be able to cope with words. These words have evolved over a long period of time and they don’t have sexist associations.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has hit out at universities for implementing "safe space" policies amid concerns that self-censorship is curtailing freedom of speech on campuses.

The Prime Minister said it was "quite extraordinary" for universities to ban the discussion of certain topics which could cause offence. She warned that stifling free speech could have a negative impact on Britain's economic and social success.

A survey by the radical magazine Spiked, published last month, found that 90 per cent of British universities have been involved in restricting free speech on campus.

It found that in the last year, 21 universities banned high profile speakers from attending lectures, debates or speeches because of their views, including Oxford, King’s College London and University College London.

Oh my.

This is why we need the alt-right. Bigly!

Thoughts?

[AgnesIO]

They can say what they like - you and I both know that in practice it means very little.

[-:Undertaker:-]

@AgnesIO;

Actually means a lot. A Professor in a Canadian University (Toronto) has already been sent two warning letters just for threatening not to use gender neutral pronouns. He's one letter from having his tenure at the university ended. Take this seriously.