We are concerned about the article “Student leaders recognized,” written by Mark Gates (Nov. 15). We would like to point out some errors in this piece:

“…a mere pat on the back will not suffice to tell him what a great person he is. Nominate him for the Student Leader of the Month Award.”

Please notice the author refers to the ideal candidate for a recognized student leader as a male. This indicates at least two things: 1. Only males are eligible. 2. True student leaders are male.

Sexist language creates and recreates gender ideals for males and females. By using a male specific reference term (e.g. “he” and “him”), the reader first associates a male image to the “ideal student leader.” Research indicates the strong link between sexist language and the sexist treatment of women. For instance, when employment advertisements are masculine identified, women are not likely to apply or be recommended for the position.

We hope that you will monitor the messages you relay in your newspaper. We realize that many times the author using sexist language does not intend to be “sexist.” However, a reader cannot know an intent, only the effect. Language is a powerful means for creating gender stereotypes that confine women and men in distinct power relations; however, it can also serve as a tool to correct harmful relations between women and men. We hope your staff will choose the latter.

Lois Self

Director

Lori Halverson-Wente

Graduate assistant

Jan Vander Meer

Secretary

Susan Vermeulen

October student leader

NIU Women’s Studies Program