Women-in-bio newsgroup:
I would like to get your opinions on the general acceptance of the words
“chair” vs. “chairman” (for the head of a department or program). I
personally find the word “chairman” irritating—why the need to point out
that the chairman is a man?—and feel “chair” is much more appropriate.
My institution always uses the gender-neutral term chair. But
occasionally I get mail from one of my previous institutions, or a
national professional organization, that has a “message from the
chairman”, or a list of chairmen of a specific type of academic program
(some of whom happen to be women).
I am often tempted to write in to these organizations and point this
out. However I wonder: Am I over-reacting? Is the word “chairman”
generally accepted to mean both men and women? Should I avoid making a
fuss over a minor issue and pick different battles to fight (especially
if it means irritating a “big shot” in the field)?
I’d love to hear your opinions—it will help me decide whether to bring
up these issues.
Thanks,
Anita Vasavada
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Anita Vasavada, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and VCAPP
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-6120
voice: (509) 335-7533
fax: (509) 335-4650
vasavada at wsu.edu
