Exclusionary Behaviors

Exclusionary behaviors are comments or actions that subtly and often unconsciously and unintentionally express a stereotypical or prejudiced attitude toward a  member of a marginalized group.  Exclusionary language can have a profound effect on campus members, the words and behaviors can be incredibly damaging to others, especially those who have been historically underrepresented or misrepresented (Yetunde, 2022). Often exclusionary language goes way beyond the understanding and application of grammar and is embedded with a deeper meaning (Yetunde, 2022). It is often sprinkled with a shared history, values, experiences, class, gender, and in much more overt and covert ways. In most cases, it is so ingrained in people that it may take a lifetime to unlearn. 

How Exclusionary Behaviors Show Up on Campus

Exclusionary language and behaviors can take on many forms, both subtle and overt. The behaviors may be conscious or unconscious, intentional or unintentional.  Whatever the form or context, it can be damaging for others on campus.  For the campus member experiencing exclusionary behaviors it can be isolating and offending. Exclusionary behaviors can affect a campus member's ability to complete daily tasks or experience positive interactions with colleagues or classmates. This may impact if a campus member feels valued or a sense of belonging at Austin Peay State University. 

Examples of Exclusionary Behaviors:

• An overt insult, such as a racist of sexist jokes or abusive language. 
• An insensitive comment or inappropriate use of a phrase.
• A use of words that draws attention to or offends any person with a disability.
• The use of the expressions "we." Used in the wrong context, this can subtly send the message: "You don't belong here."

Austin Peay State University does not accept any discriminatory behaviors towards any member of our campus community (Policy 6:001). 

Ways to Enable Inclusive Language:

• Become more self-aware. Campus members who take the time to understand the impact they have on others, including themselves, are those whom positive change can happen. Learn about exclusionary words that people tend to use often and be more conscientious about ejecting those words from your vocabulary. Ask your colleagues and classmates how they perceive different words. They may give examples of exclusionary behaviors that you didn't realize were hurtful or offensive.
• Put guidelines in place. As campus members, create guardrails for acceptable behaviors toward others, including letting others know which words are prohibited. Define what is inclusive behaviors--not just exclusionary behaviors and check documentation (i.e., job descriptions, training manuals, marketing pieces, etc.) to make sure they meet the inclusive standards set.
• Call out bad behavior. No matter how awkward it may feel, and even those behaviors that are not directed toward you, know that you have the right to call out someone making another person feel unwelcome at Austin Peay State University. Every behavior has a ripple effect, and speaking up demonstrates that everyone is welcome at Austin Peay State University.

References

APSU 6:001 Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination  Policy for all Faculty, Students, Staff, Applicants, and Third Parties. Issued November 19, 2020. 

Hofmann, Yetunde (2022). How to Identify and Eliminate Exclusionary Language at Work. Harvard Law Review.