People With Disabilities
Do not focus on disability unless it is crucial to a story. Always
put people first, not their disability. Emphasize abilities, not limitations.
Show people with disabilities as active participants of society.
From “Guidelines for Reporting and Writing About People With
Disabilities,” Research
and Training Center on Independent Living, 6th ed., 2001.
Ethnic Sensitivities
Always ask individual preference.
African American/black: It’s acceptable to use
these interchangeably to describe black people in the United States.
When referring to a specific individual, use the term he or she prefers.
American Indian/Native American: The two terms are
synonymous. Some indigenous people in the United States prefer “American
Indian” to “Native American.” It’s best to use
individual preference, if known. When possible, use national affiliation
rather than the generic “American Indian” or “Native
American,” for example, Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee. To specify someone
was born in the U.S., but isn’t Native American, use native-born.
Asian, Asian American: Use “Asian” when
referring to anyone from Asia, but use “Asian American”
when specifically referring to those of Asian ancestry who are American
citizens.
Mexican American, Hispanic, Latino/Latina: Use “Mexican”
when referring to anyone of Mexican citizenship, and use “Mexican
American” when referring to those of Mexican ancestry who are
permanent residents or citizens of the United States. “Hispanic”
and “Latino/Latina” are umbrella terms referring to a person
whose ethnic origin is in a Spanish-speaking country, as well as residents
or citizens of the United States with Latin American ancestry.
Adapted from the News Watch Style Guide from the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism.
Religious/Ethnic Holidays
To respect the wide variety of religions on our campus, use “holiday
party” rather than “Christmas party” and “winter
break” rather than “Christmas break.”
Fraternities/Sororities
Use the preferred references: fraternities and sororities. The term
“Greeks” or “Greek organizations” is okay. Don’t
use the term “frats.”
Gender Sensitivities
Our recommendation is to take a little extra time to construct your
sentences so you can avoid having to use gender-specific terms. For
example, by using plural pronouns (“they,” “their”),
you can avoid having to use the awkward but gender sensitive construction
“he/she” or “his/her.”
Instead of “chairman,” use “chair.” Instead
of “waiter/ waitress,” use “server.” Instead
of “mailman,” use “postal carrier.” It’s
also becoming more common to see the term “actor” used for
men and women.
Sexual Orientation
gay/lesbian: “Gay” is acceptable and preferable
as a synonym for homosexuals, primarily males. “Lesbian”
is preferred for women. When possible, use “gay and lesbian.”
It’s best to use “gay” as an adjective, not a noun,
for example, “gay man,” “gay people.” Where
space is an issue, “gay” is acceptable to include both gays
and lesbians.
gay lifestyle: Avoid this term. There is no one gay
lifestyle, just as there’s no one heterosexual lifestyle.
gay relationships: Gay, lesbian and bisexual people
use various terms to describe their commitments. If possible, ask the
individual what term he or she prefers. Otherwise, “partner”
is generally acceptable.
homosexual: This is the medical/clinical term for
lesbians and gays. (adj.) Of or relating to sexual and affectional attraction
to a member of the same sex. (n.) A person who is attracted to members
of the same sex. “Gay” or “lesbian” is the preferred
term in all contexts, except clinical.
Adapted from the News Watch Style Guide from the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism.
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