Gender-neutral language Statement

Sapienza University has long been committed to building a welcoming academic community, open to embracing differences in all its forms, so that every person feels acknowledged and respected in their uniqueness.

Language and its proper use are a fundamental part of this process. For this reason, Sapienza has adopted a manual, in Italian, for writing clear, correct, and effective texts, entitled Scrivere con Sapienza prepared with the authoritative contribution of Valeria Della Valle and Luca Serianni, distinguished Italian linguists and former professors at Sapienza, under the coordination of the Strategic Planning and Communication Area (Communications Office) and in collaboration with the Student Services Area.

One chapter of the Manual is devoted to the use of gender in language. Accordingly, official Sapienza documents, written in Italian, follow the guidelines set out therein in order to use language that is as inclusive and respectful as possible. (Please note: For English texts written by university staff, Sapienza has long adopted an updated glossary featuring gender-neutral forms and singular “they/them” in cases where gender is not specified, in line with standard English usage). During the submission phase of the project forms relating to Third Mission Projects for the VQR 2020–2024, however, it was not always possible to comply fully with this principle due to space limitations in fields constrained by a maximum number of characters and to the inability of some platforms to recognise special characters. Therefore, it was decided to use binary language or the generic masculine form. We are aware that this choice has many limitations, particularly with regard to people who do not identify with binary language. Nevertheless, it must be stated clearly that the project contents and activities have always, in substance, taken these differences into account, as well as the importance of making them visible and valuing them within an intersectional framework.

Statement on non-discriminatory language, with particular reference to disabilities

In this document, while recognising that, as a general rule — also acknowledged in international declarations on the rights of persons with disabilities — person-first language is to be preferred, it should be noted that in projects addressed to the Autistic, Blind, and Deaf communities, identity-first language will be used. Indeed, people belonging to these communities, considering disability to be an integral part of their identity, assert the right to self-identify using identity-first language. Sapienza recognises the importance of respecting the right to self-definition, and this is the approach adopted in describing the recipients of such projects.