FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northridge — The Inclusive Language Campaign at CSUN is intended to encourage all students, faculty and staff to think about the power of words we use everyday. The new campaign is about helping all of us understand the impact of potentially offensive words we choose to say and consider different ways that we can communicate the same message.
“The words we use definitely have an impact on others—whether it’s intentional or not,” said USU events assistant, Samantha Simonds. “We want to provide the CSUN community an opportunity to help create a more inclusive campus by giving more thought to the hurtful words we sometimes use to express ourselves.”
The campaign kicks off with “Inclusive Language Awareness Week” at the USU from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19 featuring a provocative and entertaining series of inclusive language events.
All day on Monday, March 16, everyone at CSUN is invited to add your personal “Word Bubble” to a special display at the USU. Come share a hurtful word you don’t like to hear and post it on the front windows of the Sol Center. Next on Tuesday, March 17, Ash Beckham, a dynamic equality advocate, will speak on the frequently derogatory use of “That’s So Gay” followed by a Q&A session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Northridge Center.
Then on Wednesday, March 18, a special inclusive language edition of “Espressions”, an open mic night taking place from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the Northridge Center. Finally on Thursday, March 19, come experience “The Soapbox: A Celebration of Free & Inclusive Speech” featuring the CSUN Slam Poetry Team, live music, the Vent Tent, USU Ball Pit, Craft Corner, Photo Booth and More from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Plaza del Sol.
The theme of the new CSUN Inclusive Language Campaign is “If you change your words, you can change the world”. Words can hurt and words can heal – the choice is yours. All Matadors are encouraged to participate in this unique opportunity to bring a very positive change to our campus.
For more information about the Inclusive Language Campaign or the events of “Inclusive Language Awareness Week,” please contact USU events manager, Shanell Tyus at or USU events assistant, Samantha Simonds at .