Inclusive language

In general, use terms that can apply to any gender. Use terms such as chair or chairperson.

The terms people of color and racial minority/ minorities are generally acceptable terms to describe people of races other than white.

When talking about just one group, be specific: Chinese Americans or members of the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, for example.

Be mindful that some Native Americans say the terms people of color and racial minority fall short by not encompassing their sovereign status.

Don’t refer to an individual as a minority or person of color.

DON’T USE

Black, Indigenous and people of color, which some see as more inclusive by distinguishing the experiences of Black and Indigenous people but others see as less inclusive by diminishing the experiences of everyone else.

DON’T USE

The term Black, Asian and minority ethnic.

DON’T USE

The shorthand POC, BIPOC or BAME

• Acceptable to describe people with more than one racial heritage

• More useful when describing large, diverse groups of people than individuals.

DON’T USE

mixed-race, which can carry negative connotations, unless a story subject prefers the term

anti-Asian bias, anti-Asian harassment, anti-Asian comments, anti-Asian racism or anti-Asian violence

Acceptable to describe a situation when specific and providing details about what happened.

DON’T USE

anti-Asian sentiment, which conveys little meaning

These terms refer to social, political and institutional systems and cultures that contribute to racial inequality in areas such as employment, health care, housing, the criminal justice system and education.

DON’T SHORTEN

this use to simply racism, to avoid confusion with the other definition (a doctrine asserting racial differences in character, intelligence, etc., and the superiority of one race over another, or racial discrimination or feelings of hatred or bigotry toward people of another race)

this use to simply racism, to avoid confusion with the other definition (a doctrine asserting racial differences in character, intelligence, etc., and the superiority of one race over another, or racial discrimination or feelings of hatred or bigotry toward people of another race)

Some people refer to themselves as a disabled person or simply disabled, using identity-first language.

Others prefer person with a disability, using person-first language. In describing groups of people, use person-first language.

Ableism is a concept similar to racism, sexism and ageism in that it includes stereotypes, generalizations and demeaning views and language.

It is a form of discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities.

DON’T USE

descriptions that connote pity, such as "afflicted with," "battling or suffers from multiple sclerosis," or "overcame his disability"

Rather, "has multiple sclerosis," "was able to walk again"

DON'T USE

writing that implies ableism: the belief that typical abilities (those of people who aren’t disabled) are superior