Harmful Language Statement

CMU Library

The Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Library recognizes and acknowledges that some language found in our catalogue records and item titles is outdated and harmful. These often reflect the biases, norms, and perspectives of a time when they were accepted as given. Some material may strike modern readers as sexist, racist, homophobic, or ableist. The CMU Library also uses internationally controlled vocabulary to standardize search terms, many of which reflect these biases and norms. These standards are being reviewed and updated but changes have not yet been implemented.

The CMU Library is committed to reviewing and, when necessary, adding updated catalogue records and other resource descriptions across our collection. Our goal is not to erase harmful and offensive terms, which document the historical record of colonialism, but to create more inclusive and equitable points of access. If you have any questions or concerns, we would appreciate your feedback via library:@:cmu.ca.

This statement has been adapted from statements drafted by the libraries of the University of Manitoba and the Brock University library.

If you are Indigenous and need to talk to someone, you may find the following resources helpful:

  • Hope for Wellness (24/7): 1-855-242-3310
  • Residential School Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419

Others with similar needs can contact these services:

  • LGBT National Help Centre (Mon-Fri: 1pm-10pm; Sat: 11am-4pm): 888-843-4564
  • Trans Lifeline (Mon-Fri: 12pm-8pm): 877-330-6366
  • Kids Help Phone (24/7): Phone: 1-800-668-6868; Text: 686868

Consulted Resources

Cataloguing Code of Ethics

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IBz7nXQPfr3U1P6Xiar9cLAkzoNX_P9fq7eHvzfSlZ0/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.vtdt667wn9cc

Academic Library Statements

https://brocku.ca/library/collections-management/harmful-language/ (Brock U.)

https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/harmful-language-libraries (U. of Manitoba)

Uploaded on September 9, 2026