We can all do our part to keep each other safe, to promote respect, to care for our planet.
In this moment of painful events–that bear witness to how much work we have ahead–education and clear information are not just essential, they are the only option. In doing my part from my professional place, I am applying plain language to promote respect and tolerance.
Among many other pieces of information that require a clarity makeover are clauses to prevent discrimination. If you do not have an anti-discrimination clause, don’t just use one in gibberish; instead, adapt it to your audience in plain language! Education starts with clarity.
This is one example of how much clearer the message can be. Some of the techniques used here:
1-ditched repetition
2-use of cohesive ties
3-deletion of obvious content
BEFORE:
XYZ does not support and will not tolerate its Service being used to discriminate against others, especially when based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry or national origin. You are not permitted to use the Service in a manner which would or would likely incite, promote or support such discrimination and you must not use the Service to incite or promote hostility or violence. If we believe in our sole determination that your use of the Service is being used to discriminate, especially if based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry or national origin, we may permanently or temporarily terminate or suspend your access to the Service without notice and liability for any reason.
AFTER:
At XYZ, we will not allow you to use our Service to unlawfully discriminate or support hostility or violence based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry or national origin.
If you do, we may terminate or suspend your access to the Service without notice or liability.
