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The Language of Identity Using inclusive terminology at Rowan University

If you see anything that needs to be updated or new terms that you would like added to this document, please contact us at [email protected]. Why talk about words? “Because language is evolving, speaking in a “All language evolves. Language changes with respectful way about groups in the United time to reflect society, and the language of States can be as unnatural as learning to drive must also evolve. Therefore, the a standard shift car with a clutch. At first it feels language of diversity is dynamic - it changes as cumbersome and exhausting in the amount of groups who have been excluded learn to reject mental energy it takes to think about each rejection and act from an empowered place of motion needed to prevent the car from jerking self-determination. and stalling. After years of driving a stick shift, “One must also be mindful that people of any this effort becomes almost invisible. No one group do not think or feel the same way about was born knowing how to drive and no one identity words. There is a variety of was born knowing how to name every group preferences and opinions about words and the and the process for figuring it out. Therefore, meanings that they hold. any blame or guilt associated with not knowing needs to be avoided. We learned to speak in “Only by honest association, sincere inquiry, the context of a society that has been divided and a willingness to take risks will we be able for a very long time. To break divisions and to transcend the historical create a more harmonious future, we are being imbedded in our language. It is important in asked to unlearn and relearn all the time. It is this process to acknowledge that the work for all of us, but with time, the process will cumbersome changes are not the fault of the feel as natural as driving a standard shift car: group doing the renaming, but instead the we will feel more at ease trying new terms, result of centuries of domination with all of its asking questions comfortably, and not letting assumptions about the right of some to define mistakes interfere with our willingness to build others. Recognizing evolution of the language relationships across differences. of diversity as natural and the outcome of a divided society leads us to regularly seek new “Using words that describe groups more knowledge about members of other groups, be accurately is a part of the process of having an aggressive listeners, act on our good understanding of the overall dynamics of a intentions, and be willing to change our dominator society with a history of , language accordingly.” , classism, , , etc. and exploring together what to do about that Castania, Kathy. Diversity: The Evolving Language society. of Diversity. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2003.

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Begin with the basics Accessible – Accessible spaces and programs are made to be inclusive, and – A bias is a preference for or against generally don’t require accommodations. something or someone whether conscious or Accessibility is not only in response to unconscious. . Diversity – Variety in group presence and Americans with Act (ADA)– interactions based on a broad spectrum of Federal civil rights law designed to ensure that demographic, cultural, personal experiences persons with disabilities are fully included in and philosophical differences. society and protected from . Equity – The guarantee of fair treatment, Identity first Language (IFL) - Identity first access, opportunity, and advancement for language, such as saying “disabled person” everyone, while identifying and eliminating emphasizes the disability as an identity. IFL barriers that prevent full participation of some came from a countermovement in response to groups. person first language by some disabled people First Generation Student – A post-secondary who recognize their disability as part of who student whose parents never enrolled in or they are, not something to distance themselves completed college. from. Some disabled people prefer IFL. Inclusion – The intentional action of including Invisible Disability - Disabilities that are not groups in society who may otherwise be immediately apparent. They can be physical, vulnerable, excluded or marginalized. mental or neurological conditions that limit a person’s daily functions. They are also Minoritized/ Marginalized – When sometimes referred to as hidden disabilities. underrepresented groups are made to feel “less than.” Mobility Aid - A device that assists a person to move around. They can include wheelchairs, Underrepresented – Refers to groups of walkers, crutches, canes, braces, and other people who traditionally and currently are similar devices. represented in lower proportional numbers than those groups of higher proportional Neurodiversity – Neurodiversity numbers (i.e., the number of women in STEM acknowledges the full range of naturally fields, the number of minorities on campus, occurring variations in cognition, learning, etc.). behavior, and socialization that exists within the population. It equally values those with Ability neurological traits which are more common () alongside those with – Discrimination or , whether neurological differences like , ADHD, intentional or unintentional, against persons , or other diagnoses (neurodivergent). with disabilities. Person first Language (PFL) – Person first Accommodation – An accommodation is a language, such as saying “person with a modification, whether in the classroom or in the disability,” emphasizes that the person is more workplace, that ensures that a person with a important than the disability. PFL was disability can complete required tasks and developed as a way of showing respect. Some functions as those without disabilities. people with disabilities prefer PFL.

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Person on the / Autistic Wheelchair user – Refers to a person who person – Refers to a person who identifies as uses a wheelchair for mobility. Use this term having a form of autism or Asperger’s. Some rather than saying a person is “wheelchair- persons on the spectrum prefer to say “Autistic bound” or “confined to a wheelchair.” Person.” Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – Person with a Cognitive or Intellectual Federal civil rights law which ensures that Disability/ Cognitively or Intellectually persons with disabilities have equal access to Disabled person – Refers to persons with education. various disabilities affecting the brain. This broad category includes, for example, persons Faith and Religion with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Affirming Congregation – Congregations (ADHD) and persons with Dyslexia. Many of which welcome LGBTQIA+ people. these disabilities are also referred to as “learning disabilities.” Agnostic – A person who holds the belief that a greater entity, or existence of deities, is Person with a Hearing Disability/ Hearing- unknown or unknowable. Impaired or Deaf person – Refers to a person who has a disability affecting hearing. Some Anti-Semitism – Hatred or fear of Jewish persons with hearing disabilities, particularly people. those who speak sign language, prefer the Atheist – A person who believes that there are term “Deaf Person” and view their disability as no deities. a cultural identity. Halal – Refers to food that is compliant with Person with a Physical Disability/ Islamic law. Physically Disabled person – General term which refers to persons with various disabilities Hijab – Various types of cloth head coverings affecting functions of the body. sometimes worn by Muslim women in public. Person with a Psychiatric Disability – Refers Interfaith – Involving people of different faiths. to a person with a disability that involves – Fear, hatred of, or prejudice emotional and/or psychological issues. against the Islamic religion or Muslims Examples include persons with anxiety generally. disorders and persons with depression. Kosher – Food made and eaten in compliance Person with a Vision Disability/ Vision- with Jewish law. Impaired or Blind person – Refers to a person with low vision or a person who is Blind. Gender and Sexuality Many persons who are Blind see their disability as a cultural identity and thus prefer to call Asexual - Someone who experiences little to themselves “Blind.” no sexual attraction. Universal Design - refers to the design and Bisexual - A person whose emotional, sexual, composition of an environment so that it can be or romantic attractions are to people of their accessed, understood and used to the greatest gender or other gender identities. extent possible by all people regardless of their Black - Black feminist age, size, ability or disability. consciousness is the recognition that African American women are status deprived because

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Updated 3/23/2020) 3 they face discrimination as a result of the Intersex – General term used for someone intersection of race and gender. Black who is born with a variation in their anatomy, Feminists advocate for Black women who bear chromosomes or hormones that doesn’t fit the the burden of prejudice that challenge people typical definitions of female or male. of color, in addition to the various forms of Hermaphrodite is offensive and should not be subjugation that hinder women. used as a synonym. Cisgender – Someone whose sex assigned at Lesbian - A woman whose emotional, sexual, birth aligns with their gender identity. or romantic attractions are primarily to other women. Feminism – Generally seen as the advocacy of the social, political and economic equality of LGBTQIA+ Acronym – Stands for Lesbian, all genders. There are many types of feminism. Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual +. Gay – Used to describe people whose enduring attractions are to people of the same Misgendering - Labeling others as a gender gender. Sometimes lesbian is the preferred that does not correctly reflect the gender with term for women. The term “homosexual” is which they identify, including using pronouns outdated, derogatory, and offensive, and that do not align with their gender. should not be used. & Trans-Misogyny – Misogyny is a Gender Expression – The physical general hatred and hostility towards women. manifestation of gender through clothing, Trans-misogyny is the same hatred but hairstyle, voice, body shape, etc. targeted at trans-feminine people. Gender Fluid - A person whose identity shifts Non-Binary – Identities that are not defined or fluctuates, including shifting between more along the male/female binary. Non-binary than one gender and shifting between having a people may feel that they exist as both, neither gender and not having one. or a mix of identities. Gender Identity – Gender is the internal sense Pronouns – Gendered pronouns include of being a woman, man, neither, both or she/her and he/him. Gender-neutral pronouns another gender. Everyone has a gender include the singular they/them and ze/hir. Many identity. other pronouns exist as well. If unsure of someone’s pronouns, simply ask, “What are Gender Neutral/Inclusive – Spaces and your pronouns?” One can create a more language that do not describe a specific inclusive space within a group by introducing gender. For example, gender neutral themselves with their own pronouns. Avoid bathrooms can be used by anyone regardless using the term “preferred pronouns,” as a of gender. person’s pronouns are not optional. Genderqueer – Someone whose gender Queer – Reclaimed term used to self-identify identity or expression is neither man nor as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Not woman, is between, beyond or some everyone uses this term as it can be used as a combination of genders. slur. Consider context before using this term. Heterosexism – A form of bias and Queer may also be a distinct identity for discrimination that favors people who are someone whose sexual orientation or gender exclusively romantically and/or sexually identity is not adequately represented by other attracted to people of the opposite sex/gender. terms.

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Romantic Attraction – Emotional connection Asian – Culture, people and customs related to another individual that often involves desire to the continent of Asia. Be aware of the to be in a romantic relationship. Sexual differences in areas, such as South Asia (India, attraction is not a requirement. Pakistan, etc.) and East Asia (China, Japan, etc.). Oriental is offensive and should not be Sex Assigned at Birth - A classification of used as a synonym. female, male, or intersex based off of anatomy, chromosomes and hormones. Sex does not Black & African-American – Black refers to define gender. Only a few countries offer a people of the African diaspora, which includes birth certificate sex marker other than those in the Americas, the Caribbean and male/female. In the U.S., Colorado is the only Europe. African-American refers to Americans state to do so. of African descent. Some prefer one term over the other. Sexism - A system of beliefs or attitudes which relegates women to limited roles and/or options Chicano - A chosen identity of some Mexican because of their sex. It centers on the idea that Americans in the United States. Variations of women are inferior to men. the term include Chicanx, Xicana/o and Xicanx, which replace the “ch” with the letter “x” as a Sexuality – Previously called “sexual way of symbolically emphasizing Indigenous orientation,” sexuality is the direction of one’s ancestry while rejecting Western colonization. erotic attraction. It is also inappropriate to use Chicano or Xicano are sometimes used the term “sexual preference.” interchangeably with Mexican-American and Title IX – Protects people from sex-based both names exist as chosen identities within discrimination in educational programs or the Mexican-American community in the United activities which received federal financial States. assistance. https://www.justice.gov/crt/title-ix Citizen - A legally recognized subject or Transgender – Someone who does not national of a state, commonwealth, or other identify as the gender that aligns with the sex polity, either native or naturalized, having they were assigned at birth. Transvestite, certain rights, privileges, or duties. transsexual, and transgendered are offensive Colorblind – This term originated from civil and should not be used as synonyms. rights legislation, but is currently used by those Two Spirit – A unique Native American identity who oppose race-conscious policies, like embodying traits of both masculinity and , to argue that race does femininity or of another gender than what they not/should not matter in decision making. It is were assigned. also used to mean that one does not “see” race, but is disempowering for people whose Race, Ethnicity and National Origin racial identity is an important part of who they Anti-blackness - Racism specifically against are. This term is inappropriate to use. Black people and is rooted in U.S. settler Cultural Appropriation – Taking and colonialism and themes of labor, ownership, benefiting from the expression, ideas, artifacts, and the institutionalization of Black suffering. etc. of another culture without permission, Anti-blackness can be displayed by people often done by the dominant culture. This is not who are white as well as by people from other cultural exchange, which requires mutual underrepresented backgrounds. consent and respect.

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Desi - An evolving term used to describe the offensive and should not be used as a people, cultures, and products of the Indian synonym. Ethnic and urban also have negative subcontinent and their diaspora to describe undertones and are not synonymous. their unique experiences and to address Racism – Prejudice, discrimination or colorism within the Asian community. antagonism directed toward someone of a Hispanic - A person who lives in or comes different race based on the belief that one’s from a Spanish speaking country or whose own race is superior. Racism involves one ancestors came from a Spanish speaking group having the power to carry out systematic country. discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of society and by shaping the Immigrant – Person who moves to another cutlural beliefs and values that support those country, usually for permanent residence. They racist policies and practices. may or may not be citizens. Alien and foreigner are offensive and should not be used as Refugee - A person forced to flee their country synonyms. because of violence or . Alien and foreigner are offensive and should not be used Institutional Racism - the ways in which the as synonyms. structures, systems, policies, and procedures of institutions are founded upon and then – Reverse racism does not promote, reproduce, and perpetuate exist. It is a myth that tries to ignore the power advantages for the dominant group and the and privilege between the groups involved. oppression of disadvantaged and Racism is based on the ability for one group to underrepresented groups. have the power to dehumanize, limit, and harm people from a different group. It is also based International – The appropriate term to use for on the ability to stay safe from harm due to students who obtain a non-immigrant visa such racial privilege. The group that holds that as a student visa or an exchange visitor visa. power and privilege cannot experience racism. Latino/a/x – A person of Latin American Title VI - Prohibits discrimination on the basis descent. Latino (males), Latina (females), and of race, color, or national origin in any program Latinx (gender neutral) are recommended, but or activity receiving Federal financial individuals may have a preference. assistance. Multiracial – Representing various races or a https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI person whose parents are of different races or – Fear or hatred of strangers or ethnicities. foreigners. Native American – A member of any of the first groups of people living in the Americas. Socio-economic Status When in doubt, ask what identity label Free Application for Federal Student Aid someone prefers (Native American, American (FAFSA) – Form used by millions of students Indian, First Nation, Indigenous person, or a for financial assistance. specific tribal affiliation). Indian is offensive and should not be used as a synonym unless Minimum Wage – The least amount of money someone has told you that is how they identify. per hour that workers can be paid by law. People or Person of Color – Umbrella term Socio-Economic Status (SES) – A place for anyone who is non-White. Colored is within the social hierarchy based on factors, like education, income and occupations. Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Updated 3/23/2020) 6

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program way to empower those who have lived through – Commonly known as food stamps, SNAP is a an experience, while others believe it should federal program that assists low-income people be a chosen title. in buying food. WIC refers to the special Victim Blaming – When a victim is held supplemental program for Women, Infants and responsible, even partially, for a crime. Make Children and is also part of the USDA Food sure to affirm survivors and avoid blaming and Nutrition Service. statements, like “why didn’t you fight back?” Safety Issues Other Related Terms Clery Act – The federal law that requires Affirmative Action – An action or policy that colleges and universities to disclose considers attributes of historically marginalized information about crime on and around individuals such as race, color, religion, sexual campus. orientation, or national origin, especially in Consent – A mutual and enthusiastic relation to employment and education agreement between sexual partners. Partners (generally used in context with race). can revoke consent at any time. Consent and Adultism – Ageism is cannot be legally given while intoxicated. discrimination and prejudice, particularly Crisis Hotline – A number to call when in experienced by elders, that includes being crisis run by trained volunteers. Some lines treated with disrespect and being made to feel serve specific groups, like transgender people, unemployable and useless. Adultism is rape survivors, veterans, etc. prejudice and accompanying discrimination over young people. Green Dot – Any behavior, choice, word, or attitude that promotes safety and Ally – Someone from one identity group that communicates intolerance for rape, sexual actively supports members of another group. assault, relationship violence, child abuse and Brave Space – A space where those who stalking. Learn more at enter have the courage to face danger or https://sites.rowan.edu/sexualviolenceresponse threats to their perceptions. This environment /green-dot.html aims to challenge implicit and explicit ways that Rape – According to the U.S. Department of privilege and marginalization play out for Justice, “penetration, no matter how slight, of different identities. In this space, individuals are the vagina or anus with any body part or willing to take risks and be vulnerable by object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of engaging in painful or difficult experiences, another person, without the consent of the including changing how they understand and victim.” engage with the world, and redefining their preconceptions of “expertise” and negotiating Rape Culture – A culture in which sexual power. These spaces provide support for the assault is common and maintained by attitudes destabilization that occurs during these about sexuality and violence. experiences. Sexual Assault – Unwanted sexual contact or Gaslighting - Tactics used to cause the threat. targeted individual or group to question their Survivor vs. Victim – Debated terms focused own feelings, instincts, memory, and/or reality, on how to identify those who experience crime, which gives the speaker power over the usually sexual assault. Some use survivor as a targeted individual or group. Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Updated 3/23/2020) 7

Identity - Qualities, beliefs, personality, looks Asian people are good at math), but still have a and/or expressions that make a person who negative impact on the individual. they are. Tokenism – Making symbolic and minimal Heterogeneity - Difference or diversity in kind gestures in offering opportunities to from other things. underrepresented groups. – A concept describing the Trigger Warning/ Content Warning - A interconnection of oppressive institutions and statement providing notice that the content identities. following the warning contains writing, video, audio, etc. that could potentially be distressing Macroaggression - Large-scale or overt for some people who previously experienced aggression torward those of a certain race, related trauma. These warnings give each culture, gender, etc. person the chance to avoid content that could Microaggression – Brief and commonplace negatively affect their health. verbal, nonverbal and environmental insults against someone based on their identity. They do not have to be intentional. Campus Resources Non-traditional Student – Someone who is ASCEND – Camden not a full-time, straight out of high school, https://sites.rowan.edu/ascend/about/camden-eof.html college student. They may be part-time, returning, commuting and/or online students. ASCEND – Glassboro https://sites.rowan.edu/ascend/index.html They may also be veterans, have dependents, working full-time, or do not have a high school Counseling & Psychological Services diploma. https://sites.rowan.edu/wellness/counseling/index.html Oppression – Use of power to privilege one Disability Resources group over another. https://sites.rowan.edu/disabilityresources/index.html Prejudice vs. Discrimination – An unfair Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion feeling or dislike for another group is prejudice. rowan.edu/dei Prejudice leads to discrimination, the unfair Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and treatment of someone. Learning https://sites.rowan.edu/academic- Safe Space – Area or forum where affairs/facultycenter/index.html underrepresented groups can feel comfortable and supported and does not tolerate Office of Student Equity and Compliance harassment or . Safe spaces are https://sites.rowan.edu/diversity-equity- inclusion/departments/osec/index.html culturally responsive, relevant and sustaining. The SHOP Food Pantry and Resource Center Social Justice – Promoting a just society by https://sites.rowan.edu/theshop/index.html valuing diversity and equal access for all social groups. Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR) – A generalized idea applied to https://sites.rowan.edu/sjicr/index.html all people in a group, regardless of individual differences. Some may seem positive (i.e.

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