Elaine, I wholeheartedly concur that we mustn't stop trying to get it right! Though the question of what to CALL the appropriate language is, as you say, a challenge. None-discriminatory language? (bit of a mouthful). Neutral language? (might require explanation) I'm sure there are better ones! Maya Middlemiss Equal Opportunities Officer University of Greenwich Student Services (Island Site), Wellington St, Woolwich, London, SE18 6PF [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%