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Ethnicity and Race Disability Language Age Gender Identity and Sexuality Gender-Neutral Terms

Ethnicity and Race

Avoid broad generalizations and labels; race and ethnicity are one part of a person's identity. In all communication, strive to accurately represent the world, or a particular community, and its diversity through the people you quote and depict in all formats. Omissions and lack of inclusion can render people invisible.

Consider carefully when deciding whether to identify people by race. Often, it is an irrelevant factor, and drawing unnecessary attention to someone's race or ethnicity can be interpreted as bigotry.

Language around ethnicity and race is evolving. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University brand communicators may need to make decisions, based on necessity and audience, on terms that differ from or are not covered by the AP's specific recommendations. This list is not all-inclusive; it can serve as a framework by which to consider other words.

General Terms to Know

African American

No hyphen. Acceptable, but not preferred, for an American Black person of African descent. Be advised, the terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Americans of Caribbean heritage, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American.

When possible, refer to a person's country of origin or follow the person's preference. Kenyan American or Nigerian American.

American Indians, Indigenous, Native Americans

Always capitalize these terms when referring to the original inhabitants of the U.S. Use Indigenous when referring to the original inhabitants of any place.

• Aboriginal leaders welcomed a new era of Indigenous relations in Australia. Bolivia's Indigenous peoples represent some 62% of the population.

American Indians and Native Americans are both acceptable terms in general references for those in the U.S. when referring to two or more people of different tribal affiliations. For individuals, use the name of the tribe; if that information is not immediately available, try to obtain it.

• He is a Navajo commissioner.
• She is a member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
• He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Some tribes and tribal nations use member; others use citizen. If in doubt, use citizen. In Alaska, the Indigenous groups are collectively known as Alaska Natives.

First Nation is the preferred term for native tribes in Canada.

Indian is used to describe the peoples and cultures of the South Asian nation of India. Do not use the term as a shorthand for American Indians.

Tribe

When using the word tribe or tribal, always capitalize if used in reference to a specific tribal nation, even if the name of the tribe is not stated.

• Myaamia students attend ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University as part of the Myaamia Heritage Award Program. To date, 95 Tribal students have graduated from this program.

When using the word tribe or tribal, but not referring to a specific tribal nation, it does not need to be capitalized.

Asian American

When possible, refer to a person's country of origin or follow the person's preference.

• Filipino American
• Indian American

Black(s), white(s) (n.)

Never use either term as a singular noun. For plurals, use phrases such as Black people, white students, Black faculty, white peers.

• ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's geography class developed a revitalization plan to help Hamilton's Black community.
• 64% of white students took the survey.
• The grant targets Black faculty while white professors are helping to develop the initiative.

Black (adj.)

Preferable to African American. Use the capitalized term as an adjective in a racial, ethnic, or cultural sense: Black students, Black culture, Black literature, Black studies, Black colleges.

Black Lives Matter, #BlackLivesMatter

A global movement launched after the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin with a goal to eradicate systemic racism and white supremacy and to oppose violence committed against Black people.

Either Black Lives Matter as a noun or the Black Lives Matter movement is acceptable. BLM is acceptable on second reference.

Some respond to the Black Lives Matter movement by saying "all lives matter" or "blue lives matter," the latter in reference to police officers. Neither is a formal movement, so lowercase and enclose in quotes.

Chicano, Chicana

A term that Mexican Americans in the U.S. Southwest sometimes use to describe their heritage. Use only if it is a person's preference.

dual heritage

No hyphen for terms such as Italian American and Mexican American. Used when relevant to refer to an American person's heritage. The terms are less common when used to describe non-Americans, but may be used when relevant: Turkish German for a German of Turkish descent.

Hispanic

A person from, or whose ancestors were from, a Spanish-speaking land or culture. Latino or Latina is often the preferred noun or adjective. Follow the person's preference. Use specific identification when possible, such as Honduran, Puerto Rican, or Mexican.

Latino, Latina

Often the preferred noun or adjective for a person from, or whose ancestors were from, a Spanish-speaking land or culture, specifically from Latin America. Follow the person's preference. Use specific identification when possible, such as Columbian, Cuban, or Guatemalan.

Lusophone

A Lusophone is someone who speaks the Portuguese language either as a native speaker, as an additional language, or as a learner. As an adjective, it means "Portuguese-speaking." The word itself is derived from the name of the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, which covered most of modern-day Portugal.

Indigenous (adj.)

Capitalize when used to refer to the original inhabitants of a place.

• Oklahoma's Indigenous peoples represent a large portion of the population.

international students

Do not assume a student's country of origin. Also ensure that, when referring to international students, the scope is broader than students who traditionally matriculate from China.

International students are defined also as "non-immigrant" visitors who temporarily come to the U.S. to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. They are not undocumented immigrants or refugees.

people of color

Never use "person of color" for an individual, and never use "POC" as an acronym. Acceptable when necessary in broad references to multiple races other than white:

• We will hire more people of color.
• Nine playwrights of color collaborated on the script.

Be aware that many people of various races object to the term for various reasons, including that it lumps together into one monolithic group anyone who isn't white.

Be specific whenever possible by referring to, for instance, Black Americans, Chinese Americans, or members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

• "The poll found that Black and Latino Americans are bearing the brunt of the pandemic's financial impact," not "people of color are bearing the brunt of the pandemic's financial impact."
• "Most of the magazine's readers are Black women," not "most of the magazine's readers are women of color."

South Asian

A term that describes an ethnolinguistic group of the diverse population from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, the area that usually forms Central Asia.

Identifying ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Students

When identifying students by group, there are many nuances that account for the language that we use within communication materials. Please become familiar with the differences in how ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú communicators should refer to our students and be mindful of how your division can better and more accurately portray these groups. Generally, these terms are not interchangeable and portray specific definitions.

When looking at these terms, determine whether its use is truly needed to convey your message, and why.

underrepresented minority

Refers to the low representation rate of racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups relative to their representation in the U.S. population. Traditionally, this term is used to identify the lack of African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), and Native American/Alaskan Native groups within career fields such as STEM.

In specific instances, other groups may be considered underrepresented. For example, in a female-dominated industry, males may be considered underrepresented.

Avoid using underrepresented as a blanket term.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, underrepresented only applies when referencing students in relation to career fields or programs with further clarification based on U.S. population statistics.

• The Ohio Department of Higher Education awarded ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University nearly $600,000 to help improve Ohio's workforce development capacity by supporting underrepresented students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• The student organization "Advancing Women in Entrepreneurship" wants to help future female founders succeed in the startup space where they remain underrepresented in the distribution of global venture capital funding.

under-resourced (students)

Refers to students who lack sufficient resources to satisfy basic needs — like food, housing, clothing, medical care, and school materials — during university study. This group of students is also at high risk of discontinuing their education due to external factors.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, under-resourced applies to students who come from low-income backgrounds.

• The Cost of Poverty Experience is a simulation that offers participants a glimpse into the lives of low-income individuals and families living in our community. It also shows the role that the broader community plays in their interactions with under-resourced families.

underserved (students)

Refers to students who are disadvantaged due to institutional, structural, or societal obstacles, and those who have historically been excluded from full participation in society or its institutions.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, underserved applies to first-generation and LGBTQ+ students, and students with accessibility needs. Minority and multicultural students at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú also fall under this category.

• ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students created accessible face masks for their disability studies project in order to bring awareness and resources to an underserved population.
• In an attempt to reach what she considers an underserved market, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú student Kamilah Dotson, who identifies as a woman of color, pitched her company,  during the RedHawk Launch Accelerator. Her beauty line includes extended shades for various skin tones.

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Disability Language

General Usage

Include disability language when the story surrounds a disability-related topic or the individual wishes to include their disability as a part of their identity. Otherwise, treat disability like any other social identity (race, gender, etc.) to understand if it is relevant to the story.

When using a description, it may be appropriate to note the specific disability or symptoms.

• Actor Michael J. Fox swayed noticeably from the effects of Parkinson's disease.

Avoid negative descriptions that connote pity, such as afflicted with, battling, suffers. Avoid cliches such as inspiring and brave, and avoid phrases like "overcame their disability." Focus on discussing the social and accessibility realities of the disability experience versus overemphasizing the specific impairments of the disability, unless it is relevant to the topic.

Do not assume a person is being untruthful about their disability because you do not see "evidence." Many disabilities are not apparent, such as learning and psychological disabilities.

Disability Language

Person-first and identity-first are two language styles used when communicating about disability. When possible, defer to the person included in the communication.

identity-first language

Identity-first language acknowledges disability as a cultural identity that should be embraced and celebrated. Some people refer to themselves as "a disabled person," or "disabled" as an indication that disability is a salient part of their identity.

When appropriate and possible, defer to the person included in the communication as to how they would like to be referred.

• "a blind man" vs. "a man who is blind"

person-first language

Person-first language mentions the person first and then the disability. It is generally the preferred use unless a personal preference is indicated or the subject matter is related to disability culture and justice.

• "a man who is blind" vs. "a blind man"

General Terms to Know

This list is not all-inclusive; it can serve as a framework by which to consider other words.

Age

Ageism is discrimination against people due to negative and inaccurate stereotypes based on their actual age or perceived age. Do not use the term ageism without definition.

Discrimination based on age (young or old) is ageism. Because terms like seniors, elderly, aging dependents, and similar "other-ing" terms connote a stereotype, avoid using them. Terms such as older adults, older patients, or the older population are preferred. In the same way, using pejorative terms for younger people is also a part of age discrimination.

Referencing Age

When referencing a person's age, be specific and avoid additional adjectives like "young" (e.g., Carol is 67 years young). If referencing a population, include specific identifiers: age range, average age, or median age, if possible. 

On second reference, or when referring to groups generally, adults are persons aged 18 years and older and should be referred to as men or women. Persons 18 to 24 years of age may also be referred to as young adults. Persons 65-years-old and older may also be referred to as older people or older adults.

When writing about a group of people who meet a specific age criterion (e.g., such as eligibility for a program or a research study sample), use "persons [XX] years and older."

• John Smith, 63, discussed the benefits of exercise for older Americans.
• The research study included people aged 75 to 84.
• ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú researchers recruited adults aged 18 to 24 to participate in the upcoming trials.

Also, avoid pronatalist language that assumes all older persons are grandparents.

Terminology

Avoid
Seniors, elderly, aging dependents, our senior citizens, and similar "other-ing" terms that stoke stereotypes.

Preferred
Neutral (older people, Americans) and inclusive ("we" and "us") terms.

Avoid
Adjectives that are typically used for older people that can be marginalizing, albeit well-intentioned: spry, spitfire, fiery, cute, elfin.

If it's not an adjective that you would apply to a younger group or person, it probably isn't appropriate.

Avoid
Struggle, battle, fight, and similar conflict-oriented words to describe aging experiences.

Preferred
The Building Momentum metaphor: "Aging is a dynamic process that leads to new abilities and knowledge we can share with our communities..."

Avoid
Making generic appeals to the need to "do something" about aging.

Preferred
Concrete examples, like intergenerational community centers, to illustrate inventive responses that address the needs of older people.

Avoid
Tidal wave, tsunami, and similarly catastrophic terms for the growing population of older people.

Preferred
Talking affirmatively about changing demographics: "As Americans live longer and healthier lives..."

Further clichés to avoid

Leading a story with demographic shifts. Terms like a silver tsunami, gray wave, or rapidly increasing population suggest that we will be overwhelmed with older people.

Talking about aging as a civil rights issue. It suggests that when comparing ageism to racism or sexism, one might conclude that ageism is not so bad. Additionally, thinking of ageism just as a civil rights issue narrows its definition to situations that can only be addressed by litigation.

Being overly positive. Having examples of extraordinary older adults makes a point that aging does not necessarily mean overall simultaneous decline. Positive storytelling is important but balance is equally important.

For additional guidance, consult with the Scripps Gerontology Center.

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Gender Identity and Sexuality

Gender is not synonymous with sex. Gender refers to a person's social identity, while sex refers to biological characteristics. Not all people fall under one of two categories for sex or gender, according to leading medical organizations, so avoid references to both, either or opposite sexes or genders as a way to encompass all people. When needed for clarity or in certain stories about scientific studies, alternatives include men and women, boys and girls, males and females.

Language around gender is evolving. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University brand communicators may need to make decisions, based on necessity and audience, on terms that differ from or are not covered by the AP's specific recommendations.

Below are some frequently used terms and definitions. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list. When possible, follow the person's preference:

asexual

Describes people who don't experience sexual attraction, though they may feel other types of attraction, such as romantic or aesthetic. Not synonymous with and does not assume celibacy.

bisexual

Describes people attracted to more than one gender. Some people prefer pansexual, which describes people attracted to others regardless of their gender. The shortened version bi is acceptable in quotations.

cisgender

Describes people whose gender identity matches the one they were assigned at birth; that is, not transgender. Explain if necessary. Do not use terms like normal to describe people who are not transgender. Not synonymous with heterosexual, which refers to sexual orientation.

conversion therapy

The scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to "convert" LGBTQ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations. Either refer to it as so-called conversion therapy or put quotation marks around it. Do not do both. Gay conversion therapy should take no hyphen. Always include the disclaimer that it is discredited.

gay, lesbian

Used to describe people attracted to the same sex, though lesbian is the more common term for women. Preferred over "homosexual." Include sexual orientation only when it is pertinent, and avoid references to sexual preference or to a gay or alternative lifestyle. "Gays" is acceptable as a plural noun when necessary, but do not use the singular gay as a noun. Lesbian is acceptable as a noun in singular or plural form.

gender-nonconforming (adj.)

Acceptable in broad references as a term for people who do not conform to gender expectations:

• The group is providing scholarships for gender-nonconforming students.

When talking about individuals, be specific about how a person describes or expresses gender identity and behavior:

• Roberta identifies as both male and female.

heterosexual (n. and adj.)

In males, a sexual orientation that describes an attraction to females, and vice versa. "Straight" is acceptable. Transgender people can be heterosexual.

homophobia, homophobic

Acceptable in broad references or in quotations to the concept of fear or hatred of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals:

• The governor denounced homophobia.

In individual cases, be specific about observable actions, and avoid descriptions or language that assumes motives:

• The leaflets contained an anti-gay slur.
• The voters opposed same-sex marriage.

homosexual (adj.), homosexuality (n.)

Refers to the sexual orientations of gay and/or lesbian. "Gay" and "lesbian" is preferred as an adjective; homosexuality is acceptable when an umbrella term is needed. Avoid homosexual as a noun.

intersex

Describes people born with genitalia, chromosomes, or reproductive organs that don't fit typical definitions for males or females.

• Gonzalez is an intersex person who identifies as female.
• Zimmerman is intersex.

LGBTQ+ (adj.)

Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning and/or queer. Use of LGBTQ is best as an adjective and an umbrella term. Don't use it, for instance, when the group you're referring to is limited to bisexuals.

When possible, avoid using LGBTQ+ and use the specific term that an individual identifies with.

nonbinary

People are nonbinary if their gender identity is not strictly male or female. Not synonymous with transgender. Explain in communications if the context doesn't make it clear.

alum

The accepted term for nonbinary persons who graduated from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University. When using alum as a term to represent those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, ensure that you also use their appropriate pronouns.

• After raising a record amount of money for their foundation, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú alum Jane Smith donated the proceeds to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú organizations that cater to LGBTQ+ students.

Latinx

Latinx is used as a gender-neutral or nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina and describes a person of Latin American origin or descent.

Pronouns

Do not assume a person's pronouns. Usually, it is safe to use they/them/theirs pronouns when you are unsure which pronouns a person uses, or until they tell you otherwise. It is always best to ask the person what pronouns they use.

You can respectfully ask by using the phrase: "Can you remind me which pronouns you use for yourself?" Avoid asking "What are your preferred pronouns?"

Try to remember to introduce yourself using your own pronouns.

queer

An umbrella term covering people who are not heterosexual or cisgender and is acceptable for people and organizations that use the term to identify themselves. When possible, avoid using queer and use the specific term that an individual identifies with.

same-sex marriage

Preferred term over "gay marriage," because the laws generally don't address sexual orientation. In places where it's legal, same-sex marriage is no different from other marriages, so the term should be used only when important and needed to distinguish from marriages between male-female heterosexual couples:

• Gertrude Boxer and Savannah Boxer dated for several years before their marriage in 2014.

Sex is not synonymous with gender.

transgender (adj.)

Describes people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were identified as having at birth. Identify people as transgender only if pertinent, and use the name by which they live publicly:

• Bernard is a transgender man.
• Christina is transgender.

The shorthand trans is acceptable on second reference and in headlines:

• Grammys add first man and first trans woman as trophy handlers.

Do not use as a noun, such as referring to someone as a transgender, or use the term transgendered.

woman, women

Use "female" as an adjective, not "woman":

• She is the first female governor of North Carolina.

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Gender-Neutral Terms

In general, use terms that can apply to any gender. Such language aims to treat people equally and is inclusive of people whose gender identity is not strictly male or female. When communicating, do not assume to know a person's gender identity.

Balance these aims with respect for the language and an understanding that gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language is evolving and in some cases is challenging to achieve.

A true gender-neutral noun often presents itself easily:

• chair or chairperson
• firefighter

Consider any word or term that has the effect of emphasizing one gender over another. Is there another word that could be substituted?

• Crew, staff, workforce, workers, not manpower
• Door attendant, not doorman

Avoid tortured or unfamiliar constructions such as snowperson for snowman, baseperson for baseman, or freshperson for freshman. Similarly, don't use "siblinghood" in place of brotherhood or sisterhood.

Below are examples of preferred usage. This list is not all-inclusive; it can serve as a framework by which to consider other words. Choose what is appropriate and accurate in the context. Default to gender-neutral terms if you are unsure of an individual's gender.

actor

In general, use this term for any gender. Use actress for a woman only in stories about the Oscars, Emmys, or Tonys, all of which use the word actress in their awards.

alum

The accepted term for nonbinary persons who graduated from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University. When using alum as a term to represent those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, ensure that you also use their appropriate pronouns.

• After raising a record amount of money for their foundation, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú alum Jane Smith donated the proceeds to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú organizations that cater to LGBTQ+ students.

blond

Use blond as an adjective in all applications when relevant:

• She has blond hair.

Avoid using either blond or blonde as a noun:

• "He has blond hair," not "he is a blond."

If necessary to use as a noun in a direct quote, use blond for any gender.

brown (hair)

Use brown as an adjective in all applications when relevant:

• She has brown hair.

Avoid using brunette as a noun unless in a direct quote:

• "She has brown hair," not "she is a brunette."

business owner, businessperson

Not businessman/businesswoman.

busser

Not busboy or busgirl.

confidant

Not confidante.

crew, staff, workforce, workers

Not manpower.

dancer, ballet dancer

Ballerina is acceptable because of its broad use by dancers. When possible, follow the person's preference.

firefighter

Not fireman.

humanity, humankind, humans, human beings, people

Not mankind.

human-made, human-caused, artificial, synthetic

Not man-made.

maintenance hole

Not manhole.

mail carrier or letter carrier

Not mailman.

police officer

Not policeman/policewoman or patrolman.

politics

The terms U.S. representative, representative, member of Congress are preferred. Congressman and congresswoman are acceptable because of their common use. Do not use congressperson.

"First-term" lawmakers is preferred over "freshman" lawmakers.

"Council member" is preferred. Some jurisdictions have already adopted "councilmember" as one word.

salesperson, sales associate, sales clerk, sales executive

Not salesman/saleswoman.

search

Not manhunt.

server

Not waiter/waitress.

singer, songwriter, singer/songwriter

Not songstress.

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