Brand Standards: Editorial
Inclusion Guidance
Community
Avoid using the singular community to refer to marginalized groups, because it may imply homogeneity. When including relevant group or individual identities, follow subjects' preferences and be as specific as possible.
Include an individual's sexual orientation or gender idenitity, for example, only with that person's consent and if it is relevant. When asking for consent, explain who your intended audiences are, explain the possibility that published information can find new audiences (if a news reporter finds the information from a news release or website, for example), and ask what terms the individual prefers, if any, given that information.
Better (with subject's consent): Thompson, who is bisexual and transgender himself, said it will be important for the committee to center the voices of sexual and gender minorities.
Disabilities
The terms disabilities and disabled include a broad range of physical and mental conditions both visible and invisible. People's perceptions of disabilities vary widely. Use care and precision when writing about disabilities and people with disabilities, considering the impact of specific words and preferences of the people you are writing about.
When writing about an individual with a disability, ask what language they prefer. Some people view their disability as central to their identity and prefer identity-first language, such as an autistic woman or blind person. Others prefer person-first language, such as woman with autism or person who is blind.
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. If relatives or others use the term, ask how they know, then consider carefully whether to include the information. Do not inject judgment-laden terms such as the individual "suffers" from a disability. Do not describe wheelchair users as confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair-bound. If a wheelchair is needed, and relevant, say why.
Avoid the term handicap for a disability or handicapped for a person. Use the term accessible for parking spots, doors, and other areas instead.
Avoid using disability-related words lightly or in unrelated situations.
As in all writing, consider word choice carefully. Words that seem innocuous to some people can have specific and deeply personal or offensive meanings to others. Consider alternative phrasing.
For more complete guidance, use the following sites as resources: National Center on Disability and Journalism's Disability Language Style Guide, the American Psychology Association's Disability Style Guide and the Conscious Style Guide's Ability and Disability section.
Gender-Neutral Language
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 man or woman.
Balance these aims with common sense, respect for language, and an understanding that gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language is evolving and in some cases is challenging to achieve.
crew, staff, workforce, workers. NOT manpower.
first-year student(s). NOT freshman/freshmen.
humanity, humankind, humans, human beings, people. NOT mankind.
human-made, human-caused, artificial, synthetic. NOT man-made
LGBTQIA+
(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender)
The preferred term at USU is LGBTQIA+. Use the full name, LGBTQIA+, on subsequent references. LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minority identities, so be more specific when possible. Don't refer to specific individuals as "LGBTQIA+," which would imply that they claim all identities under the umbrella simultaneously.
Include an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity only with that person's consent and if it is relevant. When asking for consent, explain who your intended audiences are, explain the possibility that published information can find new audiences (if a news reporter finds information from a news release or website, for example), and ask what terms the individual prefers, if any, given that information.
Be Fair, Accurate, and Inclusive
Ask questions, educate yourself and be fair in the stories of the people you cover. Be cautious about defamatory language and recognize that some commonly used words are offensive to LGBTQIA+ communities. If you are not sure about word usage refer to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, also linked under "Glossary of Terms."
Pronouns
Ask what pronouns a source uses, and respect expansive pronouns, like they as a singular pronoun, or ze. If a sentence's use of singular they may imply more than one person, consider rewording it to use the person's name in place of the pronoun.
The Associated Press Stylebook includes guidance on pronoun use.
Photography
Be cautious when photographing LBGTQIA+ events or individuals, and always seek clear consent when taking photo or video to use in any way, whether in print, or the internet, or on social media. You may inadvertently cause harm to an individual or reveal more about a person than they are comfortable with. Be creative to maintain anonymity of your subjects.
For a complete glossary of terms, and for more guidance on how to create fair, accurate, and inclusive coverage for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, visit the GLAAD Media Reference Guide.
Female/Woman
Preferred term is woman, because it refers to gender. Female refers to biological sex and not gender. Inquire about and use the individual's gender identity, but only when pertinent to the conversation.
Male/Man
Preferred term is man, because it refers to gender. Male refers to biological sex and not gender. Inquire about and use the individual's gender identity, but only when pertinent to the conversation.
Queer
An umbrella term covering people who are not heterosexual or cisgender. However, practice caution when using this term as some people may still view it as a slur. It is acceptable to use for people and organizations that use the term to identify themselves.
Straight
Use heterosexual, because it is more inclusive. The term straight may imply that anyone LGBTQIA+ is crooked or not normal.
Older Adults/People
Preferred over senior citizens, seniors, elderly as a general term when appropriate and relevant. DO NOT use the elderly in reference to a group. It 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.
an exercise program for women over 70.
Race
Reporting and writing about issues involving race calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and discussions with subject matter experts whenever possible about how to frame coverage or what language is most appropriate, accurate, and fair.
Avoid broad generalizations and labels; race and ethnicity are one part of a person's identity. Identifying people by race and reporting on actions that have to do with race often go beyond simple style questions, challenging writers to think broadly about racial issues before having to make decisions on specific situations and stories.
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.
The terms Black and White are capitalized because racial and ethnic groups are designated as proper nouns. Establishing this guidance emphasizes the critical importance and political permanence of these words as real, existing racial identities. However, use with care and remember that there may be instances in which a particular context may merit exceptions to this guidance. For example, in cases for which capitalization could be perceived as inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate.
The term Brown has gained general acceptance as a racial categorization. However, the designation is seen by many as a catchall to describe people of color of vastly diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are not Black. Limit the use of this term unless referred to in a direct quote. When appropriate, ask for a more specific identification when possible.
Carefully consider when using the term Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), which some see as more inclusive by distinguishing the experiences of Black and Indigenous people, but others see as less inclusive by diminishing the experience of everyone else. Similarly, carefully consider the use of the term Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME).
Avoid jargon, or shorthand, for terms such as POC (person of color), BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) or BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic), unless necessary in a direct quotation. When used, explain it.
For a more complete list of terms and guidance, use the following sites as resources: the Conscious Style Guide's Ethnicity, Race + Nationality section, the Diversity Style Guide, and the AP Stylebook's section on Race-Related Coverage.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)
The acronym is widely used by people within these communities, but it is not as well known outside of them. Spell out the full term; use AAPI only in direct quotations and explain the term.
Black
Capitalize as racial and ethnic groups are designated as proper nouns. Do not use as a singular noun. For plurals, phrasing such as Black people is often preferable when clearly relevant. Black is acceptable as an adjective when relevant.
Black, Indigenous, and people of color
Refrain from using this term, 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. DO NOT use the shorthand BIPOC unless necessary in a direct quotation. When used, explain it.
Brown
The term Brown has gained general acceptance as a racial categorization. However, the designation is seen by many as a catchall to describe people of color of vastly diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are not Black. Limit the use of this term unless referred to in a direct quote. When appropriate, ask for a more specific identification when possible.
Chicano
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
Used when relevant to refer to an American person's heritage. No hyphen between descriptors. Examples: African American, Asian American, Filipino American.
Hispanic
An umbrella term used in the U.S. to refer to a person from or descended 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.
Indigenous
Capitalize and use as an adjective to refer to original inhabitants of a place. May be used by some in place of Native Americans or Native peoples.
International students
NOT foreign students.
Latino, Latina, Latinx
These are umbrella terms for a person from, or whose ancestors were from, a Spanish-speaking land or culture, or from Latin America.
Latina is the feminine singular form. Latinas is the feminine plural. Latino is the masculine singular. Latinos may refer to mix-gender groups or groups of men. 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.
Use a more specific identification when possible, such as Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, or Mexican American. Hispanic may be preferred by some people in the U.S. from or descended from Spanish-speaking lands or cultures; follow the person's preference.
Native Americans/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian
Acceptable general reference term of two or more people of different tribal affiliations in the United States. However, for individuals, use the name of the tribe; if that information is not immediately available, try to obtain it. Some tribes and tribal nations use enrolled member; others use citizen. Avoid assumptions about language and ask what an individual prefers. Older generations may prefer the term American Indian; ask for personal preference. Use Native terminology, such as chief, powwow, tipi, and tribe, accurately, and avoid using Native words outside the context of describing Native peoples or communities. Avoid words such as wampum, warpath, brave, squaw, etc., which can be disparaging and offensive.
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 articles covering the event should use the two-word form in both proper and generic references to it.
Example: 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.
Utah's Distinct Tribal Nations:
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
Examples include: He is a Navajo commissioner. She is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. He is a citizen of the Skull Valley Band of Goshute.
Consider adding one of USU's approved land acknowledgement statements to stories involving Native people, communities or topics. The general-use statement may be applicable for stories about the university as a whole, but more specific statements for each of USU's campuses also exist. When used, a statement is typically included after the main body of an article and italicized to set it apart stylistically.
People (person) of color
The term is acceptable, when necessary, in broad references to multiple races other than white. 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. DO NOT use the shorthand POC unless necessary in a direct quotation. When used, explain it. Examples: We will hire people of color. Nine playwrights of color collaborated on the script.
Romani, Roma, Gypsy, gypsy, gypsy moth, spongy moth
Use the term Romani for both singular and plural. The less formal Roma is also acceptable. Do NOT use Gypsy, which is considered offensive.
Use spongy moth for the invasive pest formerly known as gypsy moth, a change approved by the Entomological Society of America in 2022.
Do NOT use gyp in any sense.
White
Capitalize, because racial and ethnic groups are designated as proper nouns. 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.
Sexual Crimes
Proceed with care when using terms related to sexual crimes. Authorities, people making accusations, and people who stand accused, use a variety of language and terminology to cover a wide spectrum of actions or behavior. Interpretations can vary widely. Do not simply repeat those terms.
Instead, pay close attention to legal definitions, which vary by jurisdiction, and the wording of criminal charges or convictions. Consider the nuance of each situation and what may be conveyed or perceived by the language used.
USU's Sexual Misconduct Policy includes specific definitions for prohibited conduct and the university uses specific terms to refer to those involved in the Title IX process. To learn more, visit usu.edu/equity/policies-procedures.
For more guidance on this sensitive subject, visit the Conscious Style Guide's section on Sensitive Style for Covering Sexual Violence.
Survivor
Use with care. Survivor can denote someone has lived through an injury or disease, but also can apply to someone who endured a threat but escaped injury altogether.
Victim
Use with care. The word victim can create confusion because it can variously mean someone killed, injured, or subjected to mistreatment such as sexual misconduct.