Words and the ways we use them can work for good or for ill. Too often, however, we make language choices that dehumanize, exclude, demean, and marginalize others, and we frequently do so without any intention to harm. But the lack of ill intent doesn't change the fact that words can do real harm. The "Gators Don't Say Campaign" is an initiative of the the Center for Student Diversity, Equity, & I
nclusion at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)--one of the most diverse campuses in the nation--which seeks to raise awareness of the potentially harmful impact of our language choices as part of the broader mission of the Center to foster a campus climate that is welcoming, inclusive, and equitable for all members of the UHD campus community. Our Campaign begins by featuring UHD club sport athletes, starting with the members of UHD Powerlifting--a national power in the sport--and soon will extend to other sports clubs before opening to general student, faculty, and staff participation. Dr. John Hudson, Director of the UHD Center for Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, was inspired to begin this initiative at UHD by the good work being done with the following programs: The "You Don't Say Campaign" at Duke University, "You Don't Say QU" at Quinnipiac University, and the "We Don't Say Campaign" at Cornell University. We hope more campuses will join in this very important movement and launch similar campaigns on their campuses.
