PERTH university students are being warned against using gender-specific language like “mankind” with Curtin University lecturers permitted to dock marks for assignments that stereotype on the basis of sex.

Its Inclusive Language Procedures require staff and students to ensure all communication is free of discrimination, including gender bias.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Jill Downie said Curtin required staff and students to communicate in ways that were inclusive and reflected a commitment to valuing diversity.

“Where a member of the university community acts contrary to our expectations, there are clear processes to provide educative and/or other actions to address the issue,” Professor Downie said.

“While it is possible that a student may fail an assessment or be subject to actions under the student charter or misconduct provisions, our preference would be to work with students to educate them on the use of inclusive language.”

UWA and Murdoch university have published non-discriminatory language guidelines that staff and students are expected to follow.

The UWA version advises students to replace “mankind” with “humankind” or “human race”, while “founding fathers” should instead become simply “founders” or “ancestors”.

A UWA spokeswoman said academics provided feedback and guidance to students on the appropriate use of language, but could not confirm if marks were subtracted for indiscretions.

Murdoch University’s non-discriminatory language guidelines warn some compliments to women could be seen as put-downs.

An Edith Cowan University spokeswoman said it did not have specific non-discriminatory language guidelines.