Respectful & Informed Language

To help campus communicators cover people and topics in informed and respectful ways, we’ve compiled guidance for the following list of inclusive terms. Many of these recommendations are adapted (and edited for length or relevance to campus) from the AP Stylebook and other media guides. If you’d like to see a term added to this style guide, you can provide us feedback at today@usu.edu.

addiction

A treatable disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior. Drug and alcohol use can cause changes in the brain that lead to compulsive use, despite damage incurred to a person’s health and relationships. Genetics, mental illness, and other factors make certain people susceptible to addiction.

Addiction is the preferred term. The term substance use disorder is preferred by some health professionals and is acceptable in some uses, such as in quotations or scientific contexts. (Source: AP Stylebook)

afflicted with/stricken with/suffers from/victim of

These terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life. Not every person with a disability suffers, is a victim, or is stricken. It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. For example: He has muscular dystrophy. (Source: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism

African American

No hyphen (noun or adjective). Acceptable for an American Black person of African descent. Not necessarily interchangeable with Black. Americans of Caribbean heritage, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American. Follow a person’s preference. (Source: AP Stylebook)

Age

Older adults and older people are preferred over senior citizens, seniors, elderly as a general term when appropriate and relevant. Older people is best used in general phrases that do not refer to specific individuals: concern for older people; a home for older adults. Aim for specificity when possible: New housing for people 65 and over. An exercise program for women over 70.

The terms a youth and youths are applicable from age 13 until the 18th birthday. Use terms such as man, woman, person, and adult for people 18 and older. Consider terms such as children, teenagers, youths, young teens, college-age adults, depending on context.

American Indians, Native American

Both are 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.

Native American and American Indian can be used interchangeably; however, the term is used only to describe groups — two or more individuals of different tribal affiliation. Always identify people by their preferred tribal affiliation when reporting on individuals or individual tribes.

Tribe, nation, community, and band describe various sociopolitical units; usage also varies based on personal or group preference. For more guidance, visit the Native American Journalists Association website. (Sources: AP Stylebook, Native American Journalists Association)

Distinct Native Groups in Utah:

• Confederated Tribes of Goshute.
• Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.
• San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
• Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation.
• Skull Valley Band of Goshute.
• Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.
• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
• White Mesa Community.
• Navajo Nation.

While AP styles powwow as one word, the USU Native American Student Council's annual event is the Echoing Traditional Ways Pow Wow, two words, and materials about the event should use the two-word form in both proper and generic references to it: The Echoing Traditional Ways Pow Wow will be March 28-29 at USU's Logan campus. The pow wow has been an annual tradition for about half a century.

APIDA

Stands for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American. Desi is a term used by some who identify as South Asian or have a South Asian heritage. It can include the countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and sometimes Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Tibet.

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. (Source: AP Stylebook)

Asian American

No hyphen (noun or adjective). Acceptable for an American of Asian descent. When possible, refer to a person’s country of origin or follow the person’s preference. For example: Filipino American or Indian American. (Source: AP Stylebook)

autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a group of complex disorders related to brain development, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms vary across the spectrum.

Opinions vary on how to refer to someone with autism. Some people with autism prefer being referred to as autistic or an autistic person. Others object to using autistic as an adjective. Ask individuals how they prefer to be described. Refer to someone as having autistic spectrum disorder only if the information is relevant to the story. (Source: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism)

BIPOC

An acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Some feel the term is more appropriate than people of color because it acknowledges the varying levels of injustice experienced by different groups. In these instances, be sure to ask individuals or groups how they prefer to be identified. In general, avoid abbreviations and jargon. If this term is used in direct quotations, explain it.

bisexual

Describes people attracted to more than one gender. Some people prefer pansexual, which describes people attracted to others regardless of their gender. (Source: AP Stylebook)

Black

Use the capitalized term as an adjective in a racial, ethnic, or cultural sense: Black people, Black culture, Black literature, Black studies, Black colleges. African American is not necessarily interchangeable. Americans of Caribbean heritage, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American. Follow an individual’s preference if known, and be specific when possible and relevant. Utah has a large Somali American population because of refugee resettlement. The author is Senegalese American. Use of the capitalized Black recognizes that language has evolved, along with the common understanding that especially in the United States, the term reflects a shared identity and culture rather than a skin color alone. (Source: AP Stylebook)

blind

Use blind only when the person has complete loss of sight and legally blind when the person has almost complete loss of sight. Other terms also may be acceptable. It is best to ask your sources what terms they prefer and take that into consideration. Commonly used terms include: limited vision, low vision, and visually impaired (but similar to the term hearing impaired, some may object to it because it describes the condition in terms of a deficiency). (Source: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism)

chronic disease/illness

When referring to a person with a chronic illness, only refer to the condition if it is pertinent to the story and you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. Ask your sources how they want to be described and, when in doubt, consider using people-first language, such as person with diabetes rather than a diabetic. (Source: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism)

cisgender

Describes people whose gender identity matches the one they were assigned at birth; that is, not transgender. Explain (on first reference) if necessary. (Source: AP Stylebook)

Community

Limit use of this term in reference to groups of people. It implies homogeneity and the idea that all members of a particular “community” think and act alike. This is similar to the concept of avoiding any type of generalization or stereotype. Instead of the gay community, for example, many gay people, some gay people, several gay men interviewed Monday or lesbians in Ohio might work, depending on what is accurate. At times, community or communities may be the best option. (Source: AP Stylebook)

USU style exceptions include terms such as the USU community and the Aggie community, which may be considered as promoting the university’s aspirational values.

deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing

Deaf should be used as an adjective, not as a noun; it describes a person with profound or complete hearing loss. Many people do not consider being deaf or having hearing loss as a disability. Instead, deafness is often considered a culture. The uppercase is acceptable, if used by the person or group, in descriptions such as the cultural Deaf community, Deaf education, Deaf culture, etc.

Do not use the uppercase form for a person; use lowercase deaf, the standard style for medical conditions: Lagier, who is deaf, said the Deaf community is a powerful force in his life.

Not all people with hearing loss use sign language or identify with the Deaf culture and community; such identification can be a deeply personal choice. Deaf people often — but not always — use identity-first language.

Some people with mild or moderate hearing loss may affiliate themselves with the  Deaf communities and prefer to be referred to as deaf instead of hard of hearing. Alternatively, some who are profoundly deaf may prefer the term hard of hearing. When quoting or paraphrasing a person who has signed their responses, it’s appropriate on first reference to indicate that the responses were signed. It’s acceptable to use the word said in subsequent references. (Sources: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism, AP Stylebook)

Disabilities

The terms disabilities and disabled include a broad range of physical and mental conditions both visible and invisible.

The terms disabilities and disabled are generally embraced by disabled people and are acceptable when relevant.

When possible, ask people how they want to be described. Be mindful that the question of identity-first vs. person-first language is vital for many. Some people use person-first language in describing themselves: a man with Down syndrome or a woman with schizophrenia.

Others view their disability as central to their identity and use identity-first language, such as an autistic woman or deaf students. Autistic people and deaf people often — but not always — use identity-first language.

When preferences of an individual or group can’t be determined, try to use a mix of person-first and identity-first language.

Be specific about the type of disability, or symptoms. For example: Feldman said the airline kicked her family off a plane after her 3-year-old refused to wear a mask. She said the mask refusal relates to her son’s autism.

In general, refer to a disability only if relevant to the story, and if a medical diagnosis has been made or the person uses the term. For example: Merritt, who is blind and walks with the help of a guide dog, said she is pleased with the city’s walkway improvements. But not: James, who has paraplegia, is a fan of the Aggies.

If relatives or others use the term, ask how they know, then consider carefully whether to include the information. Avoid the term handicap for a disability or handicapped for a person. (Source: AP Stylebook)

gay,lesbian

Used to describe people attracted to the same sex, though lesbian is the more common term for women. Include sexual orientation only when it is pertinent to a story 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. Avoid identifying gay people as homosexuals, an outdated term considered derogatory and offensive to many lesbian and gay people. (Source: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

gender

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. (Source: AP Stylebook)

gender-affirming care

Refers to a swath of mental and medical treatments (such as counseling, hormones or surgery) that help bring a person’s gender expression (such as voice, appearance or anatomy) in line with their gender identity. It can be but is not necessarily part of a gender transition. Such care is not limited to transgender people; it can also serve cisgender, nonbinary or intersex people. (Source: AP Stylebook)

gender identity

A person’s internal, deeply held sense of their gender. For transgender people, their own internal gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Most people have a gender identity of man or woman (or boy or girl). For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into one of those two choices (e.g., nonbinary and genderqueer). (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

gender-neutral language (use of)

In general, use terms that can apply to any gender: chair or chairperson, councilperson or council member, and spokesperson unless the -man or -woman terms are specified by an organization. While some -person constructions, such as chairperson and spokesperson, are commonly used, avoid tortured or unfamiliar constructions such as snowperson or baseperson. (Source: AP Stylebook).

Use first-year student instead of freshman.

gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, genderqueer, bigender, agender

Gender non-conforming is acceptable in broad references as a term for people who do not conform to gender expectations. (Acceptable use: The group is providing scholarships for gender-nonconforming students.)

Genderqueer is an identity describing people whose gender expression does not follow norms; use only if the person or group identifies as such. Not synonymous with nonbinary.

Nonbinary describes people who don’t identify as strictly men or women; can include agender (having no gender), gender-fluid (an identity that fluctuates) or a combination of male and female. Not synonymous with transgender, though some nonbinary people are also transgender.

Explain the terms in a story if the context doesn’t make it clear. Similar guidance goes for other terms like bigender (people who identify as a combination of two genders) and agender (people who identify as having no gender). (Source: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

handicapped

do not use to refer to a disability: use accessible parking (without the word handicapped), accessible restrooms, accessible building

heterosexual

In males, a sexual orientation that describes attraction to females, and vice versa. Straight is acceptable. Transgender people can be heterosexual. (Source: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

homosexual, homosexuality

Avoid identifying gay people as homosexuals, an outdated term. Gay or lesbian is preferred as an adjective (for example: a gay man); homosexuality is acceptable when an umbrella term is needed. Avoid homosexual as a noun. (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide, AP Stylebook)

incarceration

When writing about incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, use person-first language (e.g., “Jane was incarcerated at X facility,” “Sam is serving 10 years at X facility for felony robbery”). Avoid language that defines people by their crimes and sentences (e.g., felon, inmate). Do not mention a former incarceration unless specifically relevant to the story or communication. If you’re unsure how to discuss someone’s incarceration status, ask them. (Source: The Marshall Project’s style guide)

Indigenous

Descendants of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived. Practicing unique traditions, Indigenous people retain social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Capitalize this term used to refer to people or cultures. Aboriginal leaders welcomed a new era of Indigenous relations in Australia. Bolivia’s Indigenous peoples represent some 62% of the population. (Sources: United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, AP Stylebook)

intersex

Describes people born with genitalia, chromosomes, or reproductive organs that don’t fit typical definitions for males or females. Avoid the outdated term hermaphrodite. While some people can have an intersex condition and also identify as transgender, the two are separate and should not be conflated. (Source: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

Latino/a/x, Hispanic, Chicano

Latino is often the preferred noun or adjective for a person from, or whose ancestors were from, Latin America.

Latina is the feminine form. For groups of women, use the plural Latinas; for groups of men or of mixed gender, use the plural Latinos.

Latinx (pronounced either "lah-TEEN-ex" or "LA-tin-EX") is a more recent English term preferred by some as a gender-neutral alternative for inclusivity.

Hispanic refers to a person from — or whose ancestors were from — a Spanish-speaking land or culture. Latino, Latina, or Latinx are sometimes preferred. Follow the person’s preference. Use a more specific identification when possible, such as Cuban, Puerto Rican, or Mexican American.

Chicano is 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. (Source: AP Stylebook)

LGBT+

(Adjective) Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning and/or queer. In quotations and the formal names of organizations and events, other forms such as LGBTQIA and other variations are also acceptable with the other letters explained. I generally stands for intersex, and A can stand for asexual (a person who doesn’t experience sexual attraction). Use of LGBT+ is best as a collective adjective. Avoid using it to describe individuals, and don’t use it, for instance, when the group you’re referring to is limited to bisexuals. (Source: AP Stylebook)

mental illness

Do not describe an individual as having a mental illness unless it is clearly pertinent to a story and the diagnosis is properly sourced. Mental illness is a general term. Specific conditions are disorders and should be used whenever possible. Avoid terms such as the mentally ill. Instead: people with mental illnesses.

Do not use derogatory terms, such as insane, crazy/crazed, nuts, or deranged, unless they are part of a quotation that is essential to the story. Avoid using mental health terms to describe unrelated issues. Don’t say that an awards show, for example, was schizophrenic. (Source: AP Stylebook)

neurodiversity, neurodivergent, neurodiverse, neurotypical

Neurodiversity is the concept that differences in brain functioning such as autism, dyslexia, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are normal variations, with strengths and weaknesses. It is not a medical term. Individuals or groups that exhibit those variations are considered neurodivergent or neurodiverse. The larger population is said to be neurotypical.

While use of these terms has become more common, to many they remain unfamiliar; they should be used only in direct quotations. Remember that some in the autism community object to the term. See also disabilities (coverage of). (Sources: AP Stylebook; Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism))

people of color

The term is acceptable when necessary in broad references to multiple races other than White:         Nine playwrights of color collaborated on the script. Be aware, however, 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. Do not use person of color for an individual. (Source: AP Stylebook)

pronouns (use of)

Use the pronoun that matches the person’s authentic gender. A person who identifies as a certain gender, whether or not that person has taken hormones or undergone surgery, should be referred to using the pronouns appropriate for that gender. If you are not certain which pronoun to use, ask the person, “What pronouns do you use?” (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide).

If a person uses pronouns that are not familiar to most readers (such as xe or ze) or may grammatically confuse readers (such as they/them/theirs), include an explanation on first reference if you plan to use the pronouns in subsequent references. For example Carl Summers, who uses they/them/theirs pronouns ...  

When listing a person’s pronouns, separate them with a forward slash and no spaces: he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/theirs.

queer

An adjective used by some people, particularly younger people, whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual (e.g., queer person, queer woman). However, because of its origins as a slur, queer is not universally accepted among LGBT+ people, and its use tends to be more prevalent among younger generations.

Use caution when it isn’t being used to describe the way an individual identifies, in the names of organizations or in a direct quote.  Do not use it when intended as a slur. (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide, AP Stylebook)

religion

When possible, provide a person or group’s specific affiliation or denomination instead of an umbrella term (e.g., they are Methodists instead of they are Christians). Ask a person what term they prefer. Do not use religious affiliation as an adjective unless relevant. Remember there is tremendous variety among members of the same religion and/or denomination. Do not assume that all followers of a religion share the same beliefs and practices. People who follow the Islamic faith are Muslims. Do not use Islamic.

People who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Latter-day Saints, not Mormons. Do not use Mormon church or LDS to describe the church itself. See The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For guidance on religious terminology, consult the “Religion Guidelines” specialty chapter of the AP Stylebook.

sex

The classification of a person or certain biological characteristics as male or female. At birth, infants are assigned a sex, usually based on the appearance of their external anatomy. (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

sexual orientation

An individual’s enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to members of the same and/or different gender, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual (straight) orientations. Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same. Transgender people may be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or queer. For example, a person who transitions from male to female and is attracted solely to men would typically identify as a straight woman. Include sexual orientation only when it is pertinent to a story, and avoid references to sexual preference or to a gay or alternative lifestyle. (Source: GLAAD Media Reference Guide, AP Stylebook)

socioeconomic status

Socioeconomic status is a complex concept that involves education, income, overall financial security, occupation, living conditions, resources, and opportunities afforded to people within society. Mention socioeconomic status only when relevant.

Define specific income data and education levels when appropriate. Consider including contextual details about net worth or measuring income relative to a poverty line, a benchmark that may serve as a recognizable and quantifiable standard, though it has been critiqued as a flawed and outdated measure of poverty.

If you use "poverty line," note which kind, because countries define country-level poverty thresholds, while the World Bank defines a global poverty line. (Source: Conscious Style Guide)

suicide

Avoid using the phrase committed suicide. Alternate phrases include killed himself, took her own life, or died by suicide. The verb commit with suicide can imply a criminal act. Laws against suicide have been repealed in the United States and many other places. (Source: AP Stylebook)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The terms the church, church members, members of the faith are preferred on second and later reference. Latter-day Saints is acceptable in all references. Avoid usage of Mormon or Mormons when referring to members of the mainstream church headquartered in Salt Lake City.

Mormon is acceptable in proper names, for historical references, for referencing the larger Mormonism movement of which Latter-day Saints are only one branch, and when an individual or group specifically prefers to be identified as such: The Book of Mormon is a volume of Latter-day Saint scripture. "The Book of Mormon" is a Broadway musical. Johnson used a new scanning method to produce three-dimensional models of a segment of the Mormon Trail. Patrick Mason is USU's Leonard J. Arrington Chair of Mormon Studies.

transgender

Describes people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were identified as having at birth. Does not require what are often known as sex reassignment or gender confirmation procedures.

Identify people as transgender only if pertinent, and use the name by which they live publicly. Generally, avoid references to a transgender person being born a boy or girl, since it’s an unnecessary detail and excludes intersex babies.

The shorthand trans is acceptable on second reference and in headlines. Use the name by which a transgender person now lives. Refer to a previous name, sometimes called a deadname, only if relevant to the story.

Do not use as a noun, such as referring to someone as a transgender, or use the term transgendered. (Instead, as an adjective: Bernard is a transgender man. Christina is transgender.)

Not synonymous with terms like cross-dresser or drag queen, which do not have to do with gender identity. Do not use the outdated term transsexual. Avoid derogatory terms such as tranny. (Source: AP Stylebook)

transition

The processes transgender people go through to match their gender identity, which may include sex reassignment or gender confirmation procedures, but not necessarily. (Acceptable uses: Washington is transitioning while helping his daughter consider universities. Chamberlain’s family offered support during her transition.) Avoid the phrase sex change.

Altering one’s birth sex is not a one-step procedure; it is a complex process that occurs over a long period of time. Transition can include some or all of the following personal, medical, and legal steps: telling one’s family, friends, and co-workers; using a different name and new pronouns; dressing differently; changing one’s name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and possibly (though not always) one or more types of surgery. The exact steps involved in transition vary from person to person. (Sources: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)

undocumented

Use undocumented to refer to a group of people or an individual who does not have documentation required for legal immigration or residence, and only when relevant to the story and with explicit permission from a group or individual. For example, undocumented immigrants or an undocumented student. Avoid illegal or alien.

wheelchair

It is acceptable to describe a person as someone who uses a wheelchair, followed by an explanation of why the equipment is required. Avoid confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair-bound as these terms describe a person only in relationship to a piece of equipment. (Source: Disability Language Style Guide, National Center on Disability and Journalism)

veteran

Use capitals when referring to U.S. forces — for example, U.S. Army, the Air Force — but not for other nations: the French army. Anyone who has served in the military and has been released from active duty is considered a veteran; anyone still attached is a service member.

Members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps on campus are cadets. ROTC is an acceptable acronym. Veteran is a term used to describe someone with military experience. Combat veteran refers to someone who served in combat. Some student veterans want to blend in with civilian life. They will share their military experiences with you if they want to, but please respect their privacy.

White

Uppercase the word White in racial, ethnic, and cultural senses. Do not use a singular noun. For plurals, phrasing such as White people is often preferable when clearly relevant. White is acceptable as an adjective when relevant.