Non-Discrimination Statement

Brite Divinity School does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application formembership in a uniformed service, or any other category protected by applicable law. This nondiscrimination policy applies to all programs and activities, admission to these programs and activities, financial aid, and housing.

Inclusive Language Statement

Brite Divinity School promotes inclusive language. This includes such matters as language about God, humanity, cultures, nationalities, ethnicities, races, and religions, with regard to characteristics such as sex, gender, sexual identities, social class, age, and differing abilities. We are committed to promoting a diverse and just environment for all, in which language and practices encourage inclusion. To this end, Brite will maintain and update as necessary a webpage of resources for current best practices of inclusive language.

 

Inclusion Statement

Brite Divinity School values people of all cultures, nationalities, ethnicities, races, and religions, with regard to characteristics such as sex, gender, sexual identities, social class, age, and differing abilities. We are committed to promoting a diverse and just environment, in which language and practices support the achievement of inclusion. Brite seeks to remove all barriers to the maintenance and aspirations of its Mission Statement and Non-Discrimination Statement.

 

Online resources

• What do denominations say about sex? This valuable resource is available through the Religious Institute. http://www.religiousinstitute.org  
• Guidelines for Gender-Fair Use of Language, from the website of National Council of Teachers of English. http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/genderfairuseoflang
• DO’S AND DON’TS OF INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/inclusiv.htm
• Tips for Using Inclusive, Gender Neutral Language

             www.mu.edu/wac/neutral/NeutralInclusiveLanguage.shtml

 

Films

• The Forgotten Americans

            Informational and educational site developed to accompany PBS film about colonias.       Filmmaker Hector Galán takes you on a journey to the colonias. It's an adventure into            American communities where hope resides despite the fact that the streets have no names and          often there is no running water or electricity.
            www.pbs.org/klru/forgottenamericans/

• Included Out, by Sharon Neufer-Emswiler. Two-minute animated 16mm film. A discussion-starter about the use of language in the church. Available for rent or sale from: Mass Media Media Ministries, 211 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218. Rental available form CAN/CE. Rm. 2, 122 Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

 

Worship Resources

• An Inclusive-Language Lectionary. Division of Education and Ministry, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Published for the Cooperative Publication Association by John Knox Press, Atlanta: Pilgrim Press, New York; Westminster Press, Philadelphia; 1983, 1984, 1985.       

            A three-volume collection of lectionary readings for cycles A, B, and C.
            Revised editions published in 1986, 1987, 1988.

• Gifts of Many Cultures: Worship Resources for the Global Community by Maren C. Tirabassi and Kathy Wonson Eddy, The Pilgrim Press, 1995
• Blessing New Voices: Prayers of Young People and Worship Resources for Youth Ministry by Maren C. Tirabassi, The Pilgrim Press, 2000
• Daybook for New Voices: A Calendar of Reflections and Prayers By and for Youth by Maren C. Tirabassi, The Pilgrim Press, 2005
• An Improbable Gift of Blessing: Prayers to Nurture the Spirit by Maren C. Tirabassi and Joan Jordan Grant, United Church Press, 1998

• Faith Made Visible: Shaping the Human Spirit in Sculpture and Word by Charles R. McCollough and Maren C. Tirabassi, The Pilgrim Press, 2000

 

Books on Language and Thought

• Casey Miller and Kate Swift. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Anchor Books, 1977. Discussion of the many facets of sexism in language.