Not quite the end of mankind

The University of Queensland does not have gender-neutral language policy, or list of banned words. This has been misreported in the media. School of Political Science and International Studies Head Richard Devetak responds: Outrage is a powerful emotion, but is not always helpful when analysing the facts. Let me employ some common sense and dispassionate reason to respond to recent stories about university essay guides. Has the University of Queensland banned the use of words such as 'mankind' and 'workmanship'- No, and there is no evidence they have, despite the lurid headlines. Does the University deduct marks specifically for using gendered language? No, not as a rule. And no one has presented me with any evidence that marks have been deducted for gendered language in essays.