In educational research we use standardized terms when discussing students. Using common terminology when we speak about different groups shows that we speak the language of academia.
In education we use standardized terms when discussing students. Using common terminology when we speak about different groups shows that we speak the language of academia. However, these standardized terms often perpetuate inequity and most often “others” certain groups. When we use these terms in work that is intended to disrupt the status quo, we create a contradictory message between our words and our overall intentions. This guide will help us develop an inclusive, shared vocabulary, allowing our words to match the true intentions of our work.
Language is constantly changing. The terms in this guide could soon be out of date. Even though this guide is comprehensive, there are groups, identities, terms, and nuances we’ve most likely missed. We know this language will not resonate with everyone, and that we will make mistakes as we continue to learn.
We realize that not everyone will agree or identify with the terms we’ve used. These are terms we have chosen to create a shared language for our work around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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African American and Black are not always synonyms for each other. Many individuals may identify as Black but not African or African American, so it is important to use the words “and/or”. Conversely, some may identify as African American.
Individuals who identify as Afro-Latin (a/o), Afro-LatinX (Afro-Latiné), or Afro-Caribbean may identify as Black but not African or African American. When referring to a specific group, use phrasing like “Black students,” “Black faculty,” “Black communities,” “Black institutions.”
Capitalize the word “Black” in all communications.
Careful. If you use the term “African American” without “Black” it leaves questions about race vs. ethnicity. There are many people who self-identify as white who are from Africa, but have moved to America. As always, ask people how they choose to self-identify.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Be specific whenever possible. The Diversity Style Guide states: “Alaska Native is an umbrella term that includes Eskimo (Inupiat and Yupik), Alaskan Indians (Athabascan, Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian) and Aleut.”
Many Alaska Natives prefer to identify with the linguistic terms used within their native languages. For example: Inupiaq or Yupik. Some Alaska Natives also self-identify with the terms “Inuit.”
Many sources suggest NOT grouping Alaska Natives and Native Americans, whenever possible. The Diversity Style Guide stresses that “They are culturally distinct and most prefer to be called Alaska Native instead of being grouped as American Indian.”
Last Updated
September 29, 2023
NPR: Why You Probably Shouldn’t Say Eskimo
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/04/24/475129558/why-you-probably-shouldnt-say-eskimo
Last Updated
September 21, 2023
GLAAD defines asexual as someone who does not experience sexual attraction, regardless of gender.
A person who identifies as “aromantic” does not feel romantic attraction. Romantic orientation and sexual orientation are different.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
According to the US Census Bureau, the word “Asian” refers to “A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The term Asian is very broad. Rather than using monolithic terms like “Asian,” be specific whenever possible (e.g., Korean, Chinese American, South Asian, East Asian). Some individuals of Indian descent identify with the term “Desi.”
In the year 2000, “Pacific Islanders” were removed from being grouped with people of Asian descent in the census because the distinction did not provide an accurate representation of the Pacific Islander experience.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Dr. Ivory Toldson states: “The factors that determine “at-risk” are often either unknown or beyond the control of the student, caregiver or educational provider. . . . Using “at-risk” as an adjective for students is problematic. It makes “at-risk” a category like honors student, student athlete or college-bound student.” Toldson believes that the best alternative to this term is simply to say “students.”
“If the phrase “at-risk” must be used, it should be in a sentence such as: “ ‘This’ places students at risk for ‘that’. . . .” If the “this” and “that” are not clearly defined, the “at-risk” characterization is useless at best, and harmful at worst.”
“Risk” should describe a condition or situation, not a person.” Therefore, [instead of saying,] “More Resources for At-Risk Students” [we should say,] “More Resources to Reduce Risk Factors for Students.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Washington Post: Why We Should Stop Labeling Students ‘At-Risk’--and the Best Alternative
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/01/23/why-we-should-stop-labeling-students-risk-best-alternative/
Education Week: ‘At-Promise’? Can a New Term for ‘At-Risk’ Change a Student’s Trajectory?
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/at-promise-can-a-new-term-for-at-risk-change-a-students-trajectory/2020/01
Eric Digest: Alternatives for At-Risk and Out-of-School Youth
https://www.ericdigests.org/2005-1/risk.htm
Last Updated
September 29, 2023
BIPOC This term was created to center conversations on police brutality and violence and focus specifically on groups who are most disproportionately impacted, rather than simply saying “People of Color.”
Some use “minoritized groups” because such groups have been defined by others; another option is to use “communities of color.”
WATCH: The origin of the Phrase “Women of Color”
Loretta Ross, Sistersong, Women of Color Repreductive Justice Collective
https://youtu.be/82vl34mi4Iw
This term is still under debate about its meaning and usage. Some suggest that while this term attempts to center certain groups in conversations of police brutality, it still serves to merely view distinct groups as a single amalgamation, defeating its purpose. For example, many Indigenous people identify with their tribe that has a different culture and experience from people in other tribes, yet they are often combined as having a single, monolithic experience. When possible, gather data about communities, instead of aggregating the groups together.
Many sources suggest NOT grouping Alaska Natives and Native Americans, whenever possible. The Diversity Style Guide stresses that “They are culturally distinct and most prefer to be called Alaska Native instead of being grouped as American Indian.”
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
GLAAD states: someone who identifies as bisexual “has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of another gender.”
Someone can self-identify as bisexual without ever physically acting on their emotions. Physicality is not a requirement for identity.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
CBS News: Not all Black people are African American. Here’s the Difference.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/not-all-black-people-are-african-american-what-is-the-difference/
New York Times: Why We’re Capitalizing Black
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/05/insider/capitalized-black.html?.?mc=aud_dev&ad-keywords=auddevgate&gclid=CjwKCAjwwsmLBhACEiwANq-tXCE__sNAIjvZPpQK4npdqNJ4M3ZyXmLNrLDWDr9-WJTRDn-8A7IdoBoCkaYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
APA Style: Bias-Free Language–Disability
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/disability
ADA: Guidelines for Writing about People with Disabilities
https://adata.org/factsheet/ADANN-writing
USA Today: ‘I am not ashamed’: Disability advocates, experts implore you to stop saying ‘special needs’
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/06/11/disabled-not-special-needs-experts-explain-why-never-use-term/7591024002/
Gernsbacher, M. A., Raimond, A. R., Balinghasay, M. T., & Boston, J. S. (2016). “Special needs” is an ineffective euphemism. Cognitive research: principles and implications, 1(1), 1-13.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
New York Times: What is DACA? And Where Does It Stand Now?
https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-daca.html
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Describes a student who is the first in their family to attend college or whose parents, guardians, or other family members did not earn a bachelor’s degree.
When using the term first-generation students, be aware of the connotations, assumptions, or biases that come with this term about a students’ability to succeed in higher education.
While it is true that many first-generation students experience challenges navigating higher education, we must remember that first-generation describes a student’s status; the term should not signal ability and is not indicative of potential.
An article from Inside Higher Ed states: “[some] students viewed their first-generation ... [status] as a source of influence and power. [They] persist and thrive because of, not despite, their identity.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Try to use years, rather than class names (e.g. freshman, sophomore, junior, etc.) whenever discussing how long a student has been in school.
According to Penn State, “The word “freshman” does not adequately describe new students on campus. “First year” is a much more encompassing and flexible term. “Freshman” refers to the traditional, fresh-out-of-high-school student. While the word does not necessarily have a bad connotation, it is not truly representative of the population, which is a variety of students, including nontraditional, international, transfer, and traditional students beginning their first year on the college campus.”
Careful: Some students take longer than the “expected” four years. Often those students were not prepared for the first year due to inequitites in the K-12 system. Calling out the 5-year distinction creates connotations of failure but no matter how long it takes, that should be seen as a success.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
National Center for Institutional Diversity: Identifying and Disrupting Deficit Thinking
https://medium.com/national-center-for-institutional-diversity/identifying-and-disrupting-deficit-thinking-cbc6da326995
The Education Trust: Questioning the Deficit
https://edtrust.org/the-equity-line/questioning-deficit/
Inside Higher Ed: Beyond a Deficit View
https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2016/04/19/importance-viewing-minority-low-income-and-first-generation-students-assets-essay
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
University of South Carolina-Aiken
https://www.usca.edu/diversity-initiatives/training-resources/guide-to-inclusive-language/inclusive-language-guide/file
Oregon Health & Science University
https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2021-03/OHSU%20Inclusive%20Language%20Guide_031521.pdf
Education Writers Association: Guide for Inclusive Coverage
https://www.ewa.org/reporter-guide/ewa-reporter-guide-inclusive-coverage
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
American Psychological Association (APA) Style Guide
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/general-principles
Conscious Style Guide
https://consciousstyleguide.com/
The Diversity Style Guide
https://www.diversitystyleguide.com/
GLAAD Media Reference Guide
https://www.glaad.org/reference
Native American Journalist Association
https://najanewsroom.com/reporting-guides/
National Association of Black Journalists
https://www.nabj.org/page/styleguide
National Center on Disability and Journalism
https://ncdj.org/style-guide/
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
See also “Lesbian,“ “LGBTQIA ,“ and “ Queer."
Commonly used to describe men or women attracted to someone of the same sex. Example: gay woman, gay man, gay people/person
Some women identify as “gay,” but “lesbian” is often the more commonly used identifier.
According to the GLAAD media reference guide, “Because of the clinical history of the word “homosexual,” it is aggressively used by anti-gay extremists to suggest that gay people are somehow diseased or psychologically/emotionally disordered – notions discredited by the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association in the 1970s. Please avoid using “homosexual” except in direct quotes.”
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
See ”Sex“ and “Woman/Man.“
The World Health Organization states: “Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other.”
In surveys:
There’s also a difference between “gender identity” and “gender expression”:
Careful using “Queer” or “Gender Queer” some individuals may use the terms “Queer” or “Gender Queer” as terms they identify with, but for others who do not identify, it is not encouraged.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
APA Style Guide: Gender
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/gender
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Given the Latin usage defaults to the male plural and maintains the original traditions of educational intitutions only admitting male students, avoid this by using “graduate” and “graduates.”
Some use the alterative, non-gendered "alum" and "alums" in more informal writing.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
The Diversity Style guide suggests that there is no universally accepted definition for Indigenous Peoples. However, “in the case of the United States, tribal membership or citizenship denotes Indigenous identity.”
Be specific whenever and wherever possible. The term “Indigenous Peoples” often encompasses the following identities: Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Meso American Indigenous.
For research demographic data, ask people how they choose to self-identify.
Last Updated
October 4, 2023
GLAAD: Media Reference Guide
https://www.glaad.org/reference/lgbtq
GLAAD Blog: What is Pansexuality? 4 pan celebs explain in their own words
https://www.glaad.org/blog/what-pansexuality-4-pan-celebs-explain-their-own-words
GLAAD: An Ally’s Guide to Terminology
https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/allys-guide-to-terminology_1.pdf
Asexuality.org
https://asexuality.org/?q=overview.html
The Gay Center
https://gaycenter.org/
Chicago Tribune: As the abbreviation grows, what does LGBTQIA stand for?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct_lgbtqia_letters_defined-htmlstory.html
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Acronym meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual. Often used as an adjective or can also stand alone. (“Questioning” describes someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.)
Usage examples:
LGBTQIA students, LGBT faculty, GLBT staff, etc.
LGBT, GLBT, and LGBTQIA+ are also commonly accepted acronyms.
‘In the acronym, LGBTQIA, the “I” stands for Intersex and the “A” stands for asexual.’
Using “gay commnity” does not accurately represent the diversity and lived experiences of all members of the community. Ask people how they choose to self-identify. Listen to what people call themselves/want to be called and understand that if you’re outside of the community, using certain terms may not be appropriate for you to use.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Pew Research Center: Who is Hispanic?
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/23/who-is-hispanic/
Vox: LatinX is growing in popularity. I made a comic to help you understand why.
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/10/15/20914347/latin-latina-latino-latinx-means
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
These terms should not automatically be considered interchangeable. For example, some say that those who identify as “Hispanic” are people who speak Spanish or descend from Spanish speaking countries, like Spain, whereas others say that those who identify as “Latina/o or LatinX or Latine are descendants of Latin America.”
Additionally, the terms LatinX or Latine are used by those who self-identify as gender non-binary, and it provides a gender neutral alternative to “Latina or Latino.” See also Non-binary.
Latine and Latiné (with an accent on the e) are interchangeable.
The term Hispanic often comes with imperialist associations, so some denounce this term because of that history. But some people self-identify as both “Hispanic and Latino/Latina.”
Be specific whenever possible (e.g., Mexican American, Guatemalan, El Salvadorian), rather than using monolithic terms like “Hispanic or Latino.”
“LatinX/Latine”: Linguistically, there is no pronunciation in the Spanish language for the term “LatinX.” There is a movement to use the term “Latine,” which already provides a gender neutral ending in Spanish, offering greater linguistic relevance to Spanish speakers.
LatinX is currently receiving a lot of pushback with people rejecting this term. It is mainly a term used by academic researchers. For research demographic data, ask people how they choose to self-identify.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
See section on LGBTQIA
GLAAD defines a lesbian as “a woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women.”
Some women identify as “gay,” but “lesbian” is often the more commonly used identifier.
See discussion in the section on “Gay.“
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Sotto-Santiago Sylk. (2019). Time to Reconsider the Word Minority in Academic Medicine. Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity, 12(1), 72–78.
The Baltimore Sun: ‘Minoritized’ a Violent Word
https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op-ed/bs-ed-op-0328-minoritized-word-20190320-story.html
National Association of Hispanic Journalists: Drop the Use of Minority when Referencing Communities of Color
https://nahj.org/2020/08/04/nahj-asks-newsrooms-to-drop-the-use-of-minority/
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Sotto-Santiago Sylk (2019) suggests that the use of the term by scholars in higher education as “minoritized” students, and “minoritized” faculty acknowledges the understanding that minority is socially constructed (Benitez, 2010; Stewart, 2013).
Sotto-Santiago Sylk (2019) states that using the verb “minoritized” instead of the noun “minority” “recognizes that systemic inequalities, oppression, and marginalization places individuals into “minority” status rather than their own characteristics.”
( Sotto-Santiago Sylk. (2019). Time to Reconsider the Word Minority in Academic Medicine. Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity, 12(1), 72–78)
Careful: When using the term “minoritized” make sure to do your research to understand current usage lies with this term. It is still highly challenged. There are some debates about the appropriateness of the use of this term. Some suggest that it still upholds the “minor” status of certain groups of individuals, creates an “us vs. them” argument, oppressor/oppressed dynamic, etc.
An alternative term to use is “communities of color,” although this term could also be seen as a euphemism/sugar coating history and the ways our society is set-up for the benefit of some groups over others.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Use the term “multilingual learner.” This phrase takes an asset-based perspective on language learning that does not privilege English.
A multilingual learner describes any student who is fluent in more than one language. This phrase better represents the experiences of students fluent in multiple languages and takes into account that these students have valuable skills and strengths from being fluent.
Often, we hear phrases like “English language learner” and “ESL students” convey a deficit perspective, privileging English as the dominant language and diminishing the value and worth of the other languages these students are fluent in that can enhance their overall learning experiences.
Careful: Use the term “English Language Learner” with caution. Preferably, use Multilingual Learner over this term whenever possible, unless there is a specific reason you need to discuss the student’s English proficiency.
As you write about students learning English, make sure you are using asset-oriented language, highlighting their fluency in another language, something that many American learners do not have. Their fluency in another language is a strength, not a weakness as some narratives suggest. Be careful that you are not privileging English; be thoughtful in your usage.
For example, in a sentence you might say: “Multilingual students who are still developing their fluency and proficiency in English are capable of completing a college degree at a university that primarily instructs in English.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
These terms offer a more representative expression of people who identify with more than one racial or ethnic background than a term like “biracial” might because it only references two possible racial backgrounds and excludes ethnicity.
Some suggest that these terms (multiracial, biracial, multiethnic, etc.) do not acknowledge the fact that no one comes from a completely homogeneous racial background.
Some suggest the term “mixed” perpetuates stereotypical notions that those with multiple backgrounds are “confused,” or “don’t know who they are, etc.” But some people with this identity prefer “mixed or mixed race” or “biracial.”
For research demographic data, ask people how they choose to self-identify.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
See also Indigenous Peoples One sector of Indigenous peoples in the United States (e.g. Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians are also considered Indigenous Peoples). The Diversity Style Guide suggests that there is no universally accepted definition for Indigenous. However, “in the case of the United States, tribal membership or citizenship denotes Indigenous identity.”
Something to consider: some say that the term “Native American” was merely created out of political correctness that still, while a valiant effort, denies the reality of what these groups would like to self-identify as. See notes for more on this.
Be specific whenever and wherever possible. Many people self-identify in terms of their tribal name (e.g., Navajo, Quileute, Lakota, etc. rather than a monolithic term like “Native American.”
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
See also Indigenous Peoples.
According to the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence: “Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander” includes Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, Fijian, Tongan, or Marshallese peoples and encompasses the people within the United States jurisdictions of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.”
A person might not identify as Native Hawaiian while still identifying as a Pacific Islander.
Many census documents group together Asian and Pacific Islanders, but some Pacific Islanders suggest that these identities are separate and by grouping them, we ignore or erase the culture and heritage of Pacific Islanders and how those lived experiences differ from the Asian experience.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Use the term “students” when referring to students. If discussing students in a specific context, use the context and be careful.
For students who have taken a different path to education, offer information to clarify or explain their backgrounds (e.g. working, parents, two or more jobs, etc.) when necessary.
Recent studies have shown that those who have been categorized as “non-traditional students” (e.g., over 21, not fresh out of high school, working while in school, raising families, etc.) are now making up a majority of students attending higher education. Therefore, it raises the question if we should continue using the term “non-traditional.” Some have suggested also using the term “post-traditional” instead of “non-traditional”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
See the discussion on "Gender."
A broader, more inclusive identity for someone whose “gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity.”
When writing demographic information for surveys, include an option for those who identify as “Non-binary,” if possible. Because this term has not been widely used in research for census and demographic data, it may be difficult to include as an option; in these cases clarify this reason respectfully to the participants.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
National Public Radio (NPR): Today’s College Students Aren’t Who You Think They Are
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/09/04/638561407/todays-college-students-arent-who-you-think-they-are
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Sometimes referred to as the MENA region, including peoples from “Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara and Yemen.”
Many census records and forms classify “Middle Easterners” and “North Africans” as white. However, considering historic, geographic, and cultural distinctions, many individuals from these communities prefer not to be identified. This is an act that could be considered as an erasure of a community—just something to consider and keep in mind when grouping people.
Some people from these countries/regions do NOT see the North African and Middle Eastern regions as one and the same.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
National Public Radio (NPR): Census Bureau: No Middle Eastern or North African Checkbox
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/10/813922175/census-bureau-no-middle-eastern-or-north-african-check-box
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Use the term “opportunity gap” instead of "achievement gap" as it more accurately describes the situation in our country, pinpointing inequity as the barrier to the opportunities that enable students to achieve success. The Close the Gap Foundation states: “The word ‘achievement’ implies that the reason this disparity exists is that some individuals simply don’t work as hard as others to achieve their goals.”
Why shouldn’t we use the term “achievement gap?” It does not consider systemic issues that create unequal distributions of opportunity, resources, and wealth, making obtaining success more challenging for some.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
An adjective used to describe someone who does not identify as solely heterosexual. For someone who identifies as “queer” the terms “bisexual” or “lesbian” may be too limiting or they do not connect their identity to these terms.
Once considered a pejorative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBTQ people to describe themselves; however, it is not a universally accepted term even within the LGBTQ community.
See https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/#queer The term “questioning” is also a commonly accepted term and sometimes for some people stands for the “Q” in LGBTQ.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Amnesty International: Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, Migrants
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/refugees-asylum-seekers-and-migrants/
BBC News: Asylum Seekers, Migrants, or Refugees: Which Word is Correct?
https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46747502
BBC News: The Battle Over the Words Used to Describe Migrants
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34061097
Washington Post: Is it Time to Ditch the Word Migrant?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/08/24/is-it-time-to-ditch-the-word-migrant/
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Resilience is not inherently a “bad” term or a term we should avoid, but we must consider how/why we’re using that term to describe a person or group.
Are we using the term to suggest that certain aspects of a person’s identity, life, or experience were barriers they had to overcome, rather than strengths that added to their success?
Sometimes students must show resilience to navigate inequitable educational systems, but they shouldn’t have to. This illustrates problems with the design of the educational system. On other occasions, a person’s resilience can be a strength that they bring to the workplace or other settings.
Author Bee Quamie states: “Before we dismissively praise someone for being resilient, we should give them room to define their experiences in their own words. We can still uplift them by saying “From my vantage point, you seem like you’re handling it so well,” but not try to define their experiences for them.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
The term “rising scholar” often focuses on narratives of success and potential that all students already have, begging the question: What can educators and systems do to ensure student success?
Since “rising scholar” has been used in various contexts, it is important to define this term clearly in our writing and the way we are using it. Ask yourself if you are using it merely as a euphemism for students from communities of color.
Terms like “underperforming students” and “underachieving students” can create self-fulfilling prophecies for students and create deficit perspectives of students. Educators who view students through these terms may not challenge certain student groups. When students are identified in these terms, their actions may be impacted by the label. However, many students have strengths in various areas that these terms do not take into account. Using “underperforming school” gives a focus on the systemic challenges, not the students themselves.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
See the discussion about “Gender.“
This term refers to what someone is assigned at birth. Researchers may need to use this term.
When writing demographic information for surveys, include an option for those who identify as “non-binary,” if possible.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
APA Style Guide: Socioeconomic Status
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/socioeconomic-status
Why We Don’t Use the Term Homeless or Homeless Person
https://my.neighbor.org/terms-the-homeless-or-homeless-people/
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
There are negative connotations associated with the term “special needs.” This term came into use because of the misconception that the terms “disabled” and “disability” were inappropriate to use. Special needs was adapted as a euphemism. Many people assume the word “special” in this context means “good,” but it has been twisted into an insult by some.
In legal terms, people with disabilities have certain rights under law, but this same distinction does not always apply when utilizing the term special needs. Lisette Torres-Gerald, board secretary for the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities states in a USA Today article on the topic: “My needs are not ‘special;’ they are the same, human needs that everyone else has, and I should be able to fully participate in society just as much as the next person.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Use this phrase instead of using “vulnerable populations” use “populations experiencing inequities.”
Natalie S. Burke, the president and CEO of CommonHealth ACTION states, “The word ‘vulnerable’ is often viewed as a character assessment and creates a perception of weakness when the truth is that people experience physical, emotional, social, and economic vulnerability when systems and institutions fail to allow access, respond to, or even plan for their existence.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Natalie S. Burke, the president and CEO of CommonHealth ACTION states: “Use underserved ONLY when talking about services.”
To add more inclusivity to the term “under-resourced,” utilize people-first language, avoiding the use of the term as an adjective to describe the quality of a person. Instead of saying “under-resourced students,” we should say: Students from under-resourced communities.
Burke also states that the term “underserved” mistakenly suggests that “all of [the person’s] challenges relate to services when in fact their challenges reflect a lack of resources—of which services is only one.
“Use the phrase ‘under-resourced’ as a more accurate way to frame larger issues. For this purpose, resources include leadership, physical assets, money, power, political will, institutions, community cohesion, and services.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Economic status is not an inherent part of a person.
Define and describe what is considered limited income, either in your writing or speech.
There are many arguments that suggest we should not sugarcoat this language and just say that people are “poor.” However the term “poor” can be taken offensively or seen as insensitive to some. If you choose to use the term “poor,” illustrate in your writing that you understand the opposing viewpoints toward this term.
Another option is to avoid the language of assigning students to high or low income categories and to allow your participants to state the range they personally feel they fall under. For example we might say: “According to respondents who reported income below $35K/below poverty.”
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
Use person-first language when referring to the experience of homelessness.
Using “homeless” as an adjective can inadvertently suggest that “homelessness” is an inherent part of the person, rather than a condition they are experiencing.
APA Style Guide suggests: “When discussing people without a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence, use specific language that addresses the quality or lack of housing or length of time without housing, not whether the people consider their residence a home.
Another commonly accepted term is “housing instability”. In a sentence you might say: “Students experiencing housing instability may...”
Another term discussed is “food insecurity.” It’s important to consider the ways that housing instability and food insecurity can impact a student’s success in school.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
At Labs, we can use the term “Support for students who have expressed need” to remove the “savior” complex sometimes associated with the word “help” and allow the student to determine their own level of need.
The trouble with using terms like “disadvantaged” and “underprivileged” is that they have become catch-all terms to refer to anyone from a historically minoritized group, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
In the Chronicle of Higher Education article, “Who Are You Calling Underprivileged?” A college student suggests that “simply labeling materials as ‘help for students in need’ would be more accurate and less insulting.”
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Unless the pronouns are known, avoid gender-specific, binary language, like “he or she,” “him or her.” For example: When a professor needs a break, they might take a sabbatical.
Use names when possible: Use a person’s name, when applicable, instead of choosing a pronoun.
Using the pronouns “they, their, them” are more inclusive because they do not prescribe to the binary of what is seen as traditional gender distinctions. These pronouns encompass the diversity of humanity more by being gender non-conforming. The use of the term “preferred pronoun” is now under debate; many reject this term because they don’t view their pronouns as “preferred.” It is simply their pronoun, no distinction necessary.
Last Updated
August 29, 2023
See the discussion about “Gender.“
According to GLAAD, a transgender person's identity differs from the gender they were assigned at birth.
GLAAD states that transgender should always be used as an adjective.
Transgender does not mean an individual person identifies as “non-binary.” Many transgender people identify as a woman or a man, and describe their identity as not matching their physical gender assigned at birth.
Last Updated
February 9, 2024
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Who Are You Calling Underprivileged?
https://www.chronicle.com/article/who-are-you-calling-underprivileged/
ATTN: 5 Once Common Phrases with Troubling Histories
https://archive.attn.com/stories/16834/common-words-nobody-actually-uses-anymore
Medium: How to Fix a Broken Tongue
https://natalie4health.medium.com/how-to-fix-a-broken-tongue-cade93816add
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Associated Press (AP): Why we will lowercase white
https://blog.ap.org/announcements/why-we-will-lowercase-white
University of Minnesota: Time to Phase Out “Caucasian”
https://med.umn.edu/news-events/time-phase-out-caucasian
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
According to the Diversity Style Guide, “white” refers to “People who share a lineage that can be traced directly or indirectly to Europe.”
Following the guidance of the AP style guide, at WGU Labs, we lowercase the term “white” when referencing individuals who self-identify with this group. Because of the associations that capitalizing the word “white” holds with white supremacy and white supremacist groups, we choose to distance ourselves from these connotations that do not align with the mission of Labs.
We acknowledge that some suggest that not capitalizing the word “white,” like you would with other identities, suggests that “white” is not a race or that it centers whiteness as a default. We acknowledge that “white” is a race with distinct culture, and we do not prescribe to the notion that “white” is the standard or an unmarked category for which all other groups are compared or judged against. We do not want our writing to be misinterpreted or misconstrued, so we lowercase the word “white.”
We understand there are some exceptions to this capitalization guideline for well-thought-out and valid reasons..
Example:
Some may still use Caucasian, but at Labs we do not: from Andrea Westby, University of Minnesota, “Literally speaking, ‘Caucasian’ refers to people from the Caucasus mountain region, which includes Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, parts of north Iran, and central southern Russia. This is a geographical ancestry term, which could have implications for genetics if used precisely. ‘Caucasian’ is a throwback to the racist classification system defined by German anatomist Johann Blumenbach in the late 1700s. Blumenbach differentiated five human races, which he also stratified by perceived beauty (and thus value).”
Last Updated
February 9, 2024
Recently, the education field has moved away from the narrative of “serving” students with disabilities toward the language of “teaching” or “educating” students with disabilities. The language of “serving” and “service” had the unwitting effect of making it seem that these students are primarily meant to be “tended to” and not educated and that teachers are accountable for students’ comfort and not their learning.
Last Updated
August 30, 2023
Example to use
Let’s improve the ways teachers educate students with disabilities.
Compare to this example not to use
Let’s improve how teachers serve students with disabilities.
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