The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to limit or avoid using certain words and phrases associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion, according to a compilation of government documents. This shift reflects a broader effort to reshape official language and eliminate terms perceived as part of "woke" culture.
A range of words, particularly those related to race, gender, and social issues, have been flagged for removal. Some of these include "racial justice," "racial diversity," "equity," "inclusion," "oppression," "intersectionality," "marginalized," and "privilege." Words that reference gender identity, such as "transgender," "gender-affirming care," "non-binary," and "pronouns," have also been discouraged.
The impact of these language changes is evident across federal websites and documents. The Federal Aviation Administration's job page previously referenced a "diverse workforce" but has since been altered. The National Park Service's page on the Stonewall National Monument originally acknowledged the role of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Stonewall Uprising but was later revised to remove explicit references to gender identity. A 2021 Head Start memo discussing racial disparities and COVID-19's disproportionate effects on marginalized communities was also modified.
In some cases, agencies have issued direct mandates for removal, while in others, officials have been advised to exercise caution when using certain terms. According to The New York Times, "the presence of some terms was used to automatically flag for review some grant proposals and contracts that could conflict with Mr. Trump's executive orders."
This shift in language policy is part of a broader push by the administration to frame diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as conflicting with merit-based initiatives. Critics argue that these changes reflect discriminatory assumptions about historically underrepresented groups. While all administrations adjust language to reflect policy priorities, this approach marks a stark departure from previous efforts to acknowledge social inequalities.
Despite promoting itself as a defender of free speech, the administration's selective elimination of terms suggests a strategy to control national discourse. The full extent of these changes remains unclear, as additional government documents may reveal further alterations to the official language.
Link: The New York Times