Identity based language is foundational to democracy. In 2017 and 2025, at the start of Donald J. Trump’s second term, multiple reports confirmed that identity based terms were being removed or discouraged in government-facing communication and flagged in proposals and contracts funded by the federal government. These terms included descriptors for gender, sexuality, disability, race, and reproductive status.
In dating, love, and relationships identity based language plays a critical role in how we view ourselves and communicate with others. The list below is ready for you to copy and paste terms and utilize them for educational and research purposes. The White House’s official site described the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language as a return to “common sense governance.”
Back in March, PEN America documented more than 250 identity based terms flagged for removal from federal websites, including nonbinary, transsexual, assigned male at birth, Native American, disabled, and elderly. Just Stop Dating (JSD) found an additional 150 more words and added them to this table that we will update regularly (sign up to the right for notifications). As one nonprofit employee summarized, “We’re writing entire reports with euphemisms now. It’s like 1984 but with PDF exports.”
Table 1. List of Words Flagged Under the Trump Administration 2025
Categorized list of identity based words reportedly flagged in U.S. federal guidance under Trump’s 2025 administration. The words are sorted by term, primary category, secondary category, description (definition), and related terms for consideration.| Term | Primary Category | Secondary Category | Description | Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| abortion | Health | Public Health | abortion relates to medical, mental, or public health issues prioritized in research, care, or public health communication. | fetus, pro-choice, reproductive rights |
| accessibility | Accessibility | Design and Usability | accessibility concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | ADA, universal design, inclusion |
| Accessibility | Accessibility | Design and Usability | accessible concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | universal design, assistive technology, ADA compliance |
| activism | Social Justice | Political Engagement | activism refers to organized efforts to bring social or political change through collective action. | protest, social movement, community organizing |
| activists | Social Justice | Political Engagement | activists are individuals involved in promoting, impeding, or raising awareness about social or political change. | advocate, protester, organizer |
| advocacy | Social Justice | Political Engagement | advocacy involves speaking or acting on behalf of others to influence decisions within political, economic, or social systems. | public support, lobbying, voice |
| advocate | Social Justice | Political Engagement | an advocate supports or recommends a cause or policy and works to advance it publicly or institutionally. | supporter, ally, spokesperson |
| advocates | Social Justice | Political Engagement | advocates are people who speak or act in favor of a cause, often promoting equity and social change. | activists, allies, organizers |
| affirming care | Health | Public Health | affirming care relates to medical, mental, or public health issues prioritized in research, care, or public health communication. | gender-affirming care, transgender health, mental health support |
| affordable home | Economy and Housing | Housing and Infrastructure | Housing that is financially accessible to low- and middle-income individuals. | low-income housing, rent control, subsidies |
| affordable housing | Economy and Housing | Housing and Infrastructure | affordable housing refers to economic justice, housing equity, infrastructure costs, or community affordability. | low-income housing, rent stabilization, housing vouchers |
| agricultural water | Environment | Climate and Energy | agricultural water involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | irrigation, water rights, sustainable farming |
| agrivoltaics | Environment | Clean Energy Integration | agrivoltaics integrates solar energy systems with agricultural land use to optimize crop yield and energy production. | solar panels, dual use, renewable farming |
| air pollution | Environment | Climate and Energy | air pollution involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | smog, particulate matter, clean air act |
| all-inclusive | Accessibility | Equity | all-inclusive concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | universal access, barrier-free, comprehensive |
| allyship | Social Justice | Advocacy | Allyship is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | advocacy, solidarity, privilege awareness |
| alternative energy | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | alternative energy involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | environmental justice, energy equity, community impacts |
| anti-racism | Social Justice | Racial Justice | anti-racism refers to beliefs, actions, and policies aimed at opposing racism and promoting racial equity. | racial justice, equity, anti-bias |
| antiracist | Social Justice | Racial Justice | antiracist describes individuals or practices actively working to dismantle racial inequalities and promote justice. | equity, inclusion, systemic change |
| asexual | Identity | LGBTQ+ | asexual refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | aromantic, demisexual, LGBTQ+ spectrum |
| assigned at birth | Identity | Gender Identity | assigned at birth is a general reference to medical sex designation used to contextualize discussions of gender identity and transition. | AFAB, AMAB, gender assignment |
| assigned female at birth | Identity | Gender Identity | assigned female at birth refers to birth-assigned sex designation and is used in gender identity discourse to distinguish from lived gender. | AFAB, DFAB, gender assignment |
| assigned male at birth | Identity | Gender Identity | assigned male at birth refers to sex designation given at birth, often used in gender identity contexts to distinguish from gender identity itself. | AMAB, DMAB, gender assignment |
| at risk | Health | Public Health | at risk refers to populations or individuals who face a higher probability of negative health or social outcomes. | vulnerable populations, health disparities, social determinants |
| autism | Health | Public Health | autism relates to medical, mental, or public health issues prioritized in research, care, or public health communication. | neurodiversity, ASD, developmental disorders |
| aviation fuel | Environment | Energy | Aviation fuel involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | biofuels, carbon footprint, sustainability |
| barrier | Accessibility | Inclusive Design | Barrier concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | physical obstacles, digital accessibility, ADA compliance |
| barriers | Accessibility | Inclusive Design | Barriers concern inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | architectural barriers, communication obstacles, systemic exclusion |
| belong | Social Justice | Belonging and Inclusion | belong refers to the emotional experience of being accepted and included within a group or society. | inclusion, identity, acceptance |
| bias | Social Justice | Equity | bias is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | prejudice, discrimination, implicit bias |
| biased | Social Justice | Equity | biased is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | prejudiced, discriminatory, partial |
| Biased toward | Social Justice | Equity | Biased toward is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | preferential treatment, favoritism, inclination |
| biases | Social Justice | Equity | biases is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | prejudices, stereotypes, systemic discrimination |
| Biases towards | Social Justice | Equity | Biases towards is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | predispositions, leanings, partialities |
| bioenergy | Environment | Renewable Energy | Bioenergy involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | biofuels, biomass, carbon neutrality, sustainability |
| biofuel | Environment | Climate and Energy | biofuel involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel |
| biogas | Environment | Climate and Energy | biogas involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | anaerobic digestion, methane capture, renewable gas |
| biologically female | Identity | Gender Identity | biologically female refers to anatomical or chromosomal sex and intersects with gender identity in medical and legal frameworks. | assigned female at birth, AFAB, natal sex |
| biologically male | Identity | Gender Identity | biologically male refers to anatomical or chromosomal sex and is often debated in contexts involving gender identity and medical classification. | assigned male at birth, AMAB, natal sex |
| biomethane | Environment | Climate and Energy | biomethane involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | renewable natural gas, gas upgrading, decarbonization |
| bipoc | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | bipoc involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | Black, Indigenous, people of color, racial equity |
| bisexual | Identity | LGBTQ+ | bisexual refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | pansexual, fluid, LGBTQ+ spectrum |
| Black | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | Black involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | African American, racial justice, anti-racism |
| black and latinx | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | black and latinx involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | communities of color, intersectionality, racial solidarity |
| breastfeed + people | Health | Public Health | breastfeed + people recognizes that not all individuals who breastfeed identify as women, aligning with inclusive language. | lactation, chestfeeding, postpartum care |
| breastfeed + person | Health | Public Health | breastfeed + person has been flagged but lacks sufficient contextual clarity to classify into a defined category. | lactation, inclusive care, parenthood |
| Cancer Moonshot | Health | Public Health | Cancer Moonshot relates to medical, mental, or public health issues prioritized in research, care, or public health communication. | cancer research, NIH, precision medicine |
| carbon emissions mitigation | Environment | Climate and Energy | carbon emissions mitigation involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | decarbonization, carbon offsets, emission reduction |
| carbon footprint | Environment | Climate and Energy | carbon footprint involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | ecological impact, sustainability metrics, personal emissions |
| carbon markets | Environment | Climate and Energy | carbon markets involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | cap-and-trade, carbon credits, emissions trading |
| carbon pricing | Environment | Climate and Energy | carbon pricing involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | carbon tax, pollution pricing, economic incentives |
| carbon sequestration | Environment | Climate and Energy | carbon sequestration involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | carbon capture, soil storage, afforestation |
| CEC | Health | Public Health | breastfeed + person is an inclusive term acknowledging gender diversity among those who breastfeed. | chestfeeding, gender-inclusive language, lactation |
| changing climate | Environment | Climate and Energy | changing climate involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | global warming, emissions, sustainability |
| chestfeed + people | Health | Public Health | chestfeed + people refers to gender-inclusive language for feeding infants, used especially in trans and nonbinary communities. | breastfeeding, lactation, inclusive care |
| chestfeed + person | Health | Public Health | chestfeed + person reflects inclusive terminology recognizing diverse gender identities in parenting and infant care. | parental care, lactation, nonbinary health |
| clean energy | Environment | Climate and Energy | clean energy involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | renewables, decarbonization, net-zero |
| clean fuel | Environment | Climate and Energy | clean fuel involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | hydrogen fuel, electrification, low-carbon fuels |
| clean power | Environment | Climate and Energy | Clean power refers to electricity generated from renewable, non-polluting sources with minimal environmental impact. | renewable energy, zero-emissions, solar power, wind power |
| clean water | Environment | Climate and Energy | clean water involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | safe drinking water, filtration, water purity |
| climate | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, global systems |
| climate accountability | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate accountability involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | corporate responsibility, emission tracking, sustainability reporting |
| climate change | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate change involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | global warming, greenhouse effect, environmental crisis |
| climate consulting | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate consulting involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | sustainability advisory, carbon management, environmental strategy |
| climate crisis | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate crisis involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | environmental emergency, global heating, ecological breakdown |
| climate model | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate model involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | predictive modeling, simulation, atmospheric science |
| climate models | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate models involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | forecasting tools, scenario analysis, IPCC projections |
| climate resilience | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate resilience involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | adaptation strategies, disaster preparedness, infrastructure hardening |
| climate risk | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate risk involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | vulnerability assessment, financial exposure, physical threats |
| climate science | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate science involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | atmospheric research, environmental studies, climatology |
| climate smart agriculture | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate smart agriculture involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | sustainable farming, carbon sequestration, drought-resistant crops |
| climate smart forestry | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate smart forestry involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | sustainable timber, carbon sinks, reforestation |
| climate variability | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate variability involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | seasonal shifts, weather extremes, natural fluctuations |
| climate-change | Environment | Climate and Energy | climate-change involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | global warming, environmental shift, ecological transformation |
| climatesmart | Environment | Climate and Energy | climatesmart involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | eco-friendly, sustainable solutions, low-carbon |
| commercial sex worker | Social Justice | Sex Work and Labor | commercial sex worker is a term used to describe individuals engaged in sex work, often in legal, public health, and rights contexts. | sex work, labor rights, harm reduction |
| community | Social Justice | Collective Structures | community refers to a group of people connected by shared location, interests, or identity, essential in equity and social design. | neighborhood, collective, mutual aid |
| community diversity | Social Justice | Equity | community diversity is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | multiculturalism, representation, varied backgrounds |
| community equity | Social Justice | Equity | community equity is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | social justice, fair distribution, resource allocation |
| confirmation bias | Social Justice | Equity | confirmation bias is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | selective perception, cognitive bias, prejudice reinforcement |
| contaminants of environmental concern | Environment | Pollution and Toxins | Contaminants of environmental concern has been flagged but lacks sufficient contextual clarity to classify into a defined category. | PFAS, heavy metals, environmental remediation |
| continuum | Social Justice | Systems and Support | continuum refers to a range or progression often used in public health, care, or social support frameworks. | spectrum, stages, transition |
| Covid-19 | Health | Public Health | Infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. | Pandemic, Vaccination |
| cultural competence | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, communicate, and effectively interact with people across cultures. | diversity training, equity, inclusion |
| cultural differences | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | cultural differences highlight the distinct customs, beliefs, and values among various cultural groups. | diversity, cross-cultural, heritage |
| cultural heritage | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical and intangible attributes passed through generations in a community. | tradition, identity, ancestry |
| Cultural relevance | Social Justice | Inclusion | Importance of cultural context in policies, media, and practices. | representation, cultural competency, inclusive practices |
| cultural sensitivity | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | cultural sensitivity involves being aware and respectful of cultural differences in behavior, communication, and beliefs. | respect, inclusivity, multiculturalism |
| culturally appropriate | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | culturally appropriate means aligned with the cultural values and practices of a particular group. | tailored care, cultural fit, inclusion |
| culturally responsive | Social Justice | Cultural Awareness | culturally responsive refers to methods or policies that recognize and incorporate diverse cultural perspectives. | inclusive teaching, equity, awareness |
| definition | Linguistics | Semantic Clarity | definition refers to a precise explanation of the meaning of a word or concept, often in official or academic contexts. | terminology, meaning, explanation |
| DEI | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. | DEIA, DEIJ, Equity |
| DEIA | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. | DEI, DEIAB |
| DEIAB | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | DEI + Belonging, emphasizing psychological safety. | DEIA, DEIJ |
| DEIJ | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | DEI + Justice, focusing on systemic fairness. | DEI, Equity |
| diesel | Environment | Fossil Fuels | diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from petroleum, often discussed in the context of pollution and climate impact. | fossil fuel, emissions, combustion |
| dietary guidelines/ultraprocessed foods | Health | Nutrition Policy | dietary guidelines and ultraprocessed foods relate to public health nutrition standards and concerns about processed diets. | nutrition, food policy, obesity |
| Disabilities | Identity | Accessibility | Physical or mental conditions limiting major life activities. | Disability, Inclusion |
| Disability | Identity | Accessibility | A condition that may restrict daily functioning. | Disabilities, ADA |
| disabled | Accessibility | Identity | Individuals with disabilities. | accessibility needs, ADA protections, disability rights |
| Disadvantaged | Social Justice | Economic Inequality | Groups facing systemic barriers to resources. | Marginalized, Poverty |
| Discriminated | Social Justice | Human Rights | Treated unfairly based on identity. | Discrimination, Bias |
| Discrimination | Social Justice | Human Rights | Unjust treatment based on race, gender, etc. | prejudice, bias, unequal treatment |
| Discriminatory | Social Justice | Human Rights | Policies/actions that unfairly target groups. | biased, prejudicial, exclusionary |
| Discussion of federal policies | Government | Policy Analysis | Debates on laws/regulations at the federal level. | Legislation, Advocacy |
| Disparity | Social Justice | Inequality | Gaps in outcomes (health, wealth, etc.) between groups. | Inequity, Inequality |
| Diverse | Social Justice | Inclusion | Varied in identity, background, or thought. | Diversity, Multicultural |
| Diverse backgrounds | Social Justice | Inclusion | People from different cultural/socioeconomic experiences. | multicultural, varied perspectives, intersectionality |
| Diverse communities | Community | Social Justice | Groups with varied identities living/interacting together. | Multiculturalism |
| Diverse group | Social Justice | Inclusion | A team with varied identities/perspectives. | Inclusive leadership |
| diverse groups | Social Justice | Inclusion | Multiple groups with varied identities, backgrounds, or perspectives. | Multicultural, Intersectionality |
| Diversified | Social Justice | Inclusion | Made more varied in composition. | multicultural, heterogeneous, representative |
| diversified | Social Justice | Inclusion | Made more varied in composition (e.g., workforce, leadership). | Equity, Representation |
| diversify | Social Justice | Diversity | diversify refers to the process of increasing representation or variety within organizations, systems, or communities. | inclusion, representation, equity |
| diversifying | Social Justice | Diversity | diversifying is an active process of increasing demographic, ideological, or structural variety in a system or population. | broadening, expansion, equity |
| Diversity | Social Justice | Inclusion | Representation of varied identities in a group. | multiculturalism, variety, heterogeneous |
| Diversity and inclusion | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | Efforts to ensure representation and belonging. | DEI, Equity |
| Diversity/equity efforts | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | Initiatives to promote fairness and representation. | DEI, Inclusion |
| EEJ | Environment | Environmental Justice | EEJ stands for Energy and Environmental Justice, addressing the intersection of environmental impacts and social equity. | environmental justice, equity, community impact |
| EJ | Environment | Environmental Justice | EJ is a shorthand for environmental justice, focusing on fair treatment and protection from environmental harms. | air quality, equity, pollution burden |
| elderly | Health | Aging and Care | elderly refers to older adults and often appears in policy or health care discussions about aging populations and support needs. | aging, senior citizens, geriatric |
| electric vehicle | Environment | Clean Transportation | electric vehicle refers to a motor vehicle powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels, used in climate mitigation strategies. | EV, clean energy, zero emissions |
| Energy conversion | Environment | Renewable Energy | Process of changing energy from one form to another. | Fuel cell, Geothermal |
| Enhance the diversity | Social Justice | Inclusion | Actions to improve representation. | Promote diversity |
| Enhancing diversity | Social Justice | Inclusion | Actively increasing representation. | Inclusive practices |
| Entitlement | Social Justice | Privilege | Perceived right to privileges/resources. | Privilege, Inequality |
| environmental justice | Environment | Environmental Justice | environmental justice refers to equitable access to a clean environment and fair treatment across all communities. | EJ, pollution equity, community resilience |
| environmental quality | Environment | Environmental Monitoring | environmental quality measures the condition of air, water, and ecosystems and is used in sustainability metrics. | pollution, clean air, ecosystem health |
| equal opportunity | Social Justice | Equity | equal opportunity means fairness in access to education, employment, and resources, regardless of identity or background. | civil rights, fairness, inclusion |
| Equality | Social Justice | Human Rights | Equal treatment under law and policy. | Equity, Justice |
| equitable | Social Justice | Equity | equitable refers to policies or practices designed to promote fairness by addressing systemic disadvantages. | fairness, justice, inclusion |
| equitableness | Social Justice | Equity | equitableness is the quality of being fair and impartial, often used in equity-focused frameworks or legal language. | impartiality, justice, fairness |
| Equity | Social Justice | Human Rights | Fairness accounting for historical disadvantages. | Equality, Justice40 |
| ethanol | Environment | Renewable Fuel | ethanol is a plant-based biofuel used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in transportation and energy systems. | biofuel, renewable energy, corn-based fuel |
| Ethnicity | Identity | Cultural Identity | Social group with shared culture/traditions. | Race, Nationality |
| Evidence-based | Research | Public Health | Decisions grounded in data and research. | Data-driven, Scientific |
| excluded | Social Justice | Access and Inclusion | excluded refers to people or groups denied access, participation, or representation in key systems or decisions. | marginalized, left out, access |
| exclusion | Social Justice | Access and Inclusion | exclusion refers to systemic barriers or actions that prevent certain populations from full participation. | discrimination, marginalization, bias |
| expression | Identity | Gender and Sexual Identity | expression refers to how individuals outwardly communicate identity, especially gender, through appearance or behavior. | gender expression, presentation, identity |
| Female | Identity | Gender | Identifying as a woman/girl. | Women, Feminism |
| females | Identity | Gender | Individuals who identify as women/girls; biological or gender identity. | Women, Sex, Feminism |
| Feminism | Social Justice | Gender Equality | Advocacy for women’s rights/gender equity. | women’s liberation, gender justice, equal rights |
| Fetus | Health | Reproductive Rights | Unborn offspring in the womb. | Abortion, Pregnancy |
| field drainage | Environment | Water Management | field drainage refers to the removal of excess water from soil, relevant to agriculture and runoff pollution. | runoff, agriculture, water table |
| fluoride | Health | Public Health | fluoride is a mineral used in dental care and water treatment, often debated in public health and environmental safety. | tooth decay, water supply, oral health |
| fostering inclusivity | Social Justice | Inclusion | fostering inclusivity means creating environments that welcome, represent, and support diverse identities and experiences. | belonging, inclusion, equity |
| Fuel cell | Environment | Clean Energy | Device converting chemical energy to electricity. | Renewable energy, Hydrogen |
| Gay | Identity | Sexual Orientation | Men attracted to men (or broadly same-gender attraction). | LGBTQ, Homosexuality |
| GBV | Social Justice | Gender-Based Violence | GBV stands for gender-based violence, encompassing physical, emotional, or structural harm based on gender. | domestic violence, sexual violence, power imbalance |
| Gender | Identity | Gender Identity | Social/cultural roles beyond biological sex. | Sex, Nonbinary |
| gender based | Social Justice | Gender Equality | Relating to distinctions or biases tied to gender. | Sexism, Gender diversity |
| Gender diversity | Social Justice | Inclusion | Representation of varied gender identities. | Nonbinary, Transgender |
| Gender identity | Identity | LGBTQ+ | Personal sense of one’s gender. | Transgender, Nonbinary |
| Gender ideology | Social Justice | LGBTQ+ | Beliefs about gender roles/identities. | Gender identity |
| Gender-affirming care | Health | LGBTQ+ | Medical support aligning with gender identity. | Transgender, Hormone therapy |
| Gender-based violence | Social Justice | Human Rights | Harm targeting individuals due to gender. | Domestic violence, Misogyny |
| Gendered | Social Justice | Gender Studies | Social/cultural associations with gender. | Sexism, Stereotypes |
| Genders | Identity | LGBTQ+ | Range of gender identities beyond male/female. | Nonbinary, Genderqueer |
| Geothermal | Environment | Renewable Energy | Energy derived from Earth’s heat. | Clean energy, Sustainability |
| GHG emission | Environment | Climate and Energy | Release of greenhouse gases (CO2, methane). | Global warming, Carbon footprint |
| GHG modeling | Environment | Climate and Energy | GHG modeling refers to simulations used to estimate and track greenhouse gas emissions under various scenarios. | emissions, carbon output, climate models |
| GHG monitoring | Environment | Climate and Energy | GHG monitoring refers to tracking greenhouse gas emissions to assess climate impact and inform mitigation strategies. | CO2, emissions tracking, air quality |
| Global warming | Environment | Climate and Energy | Long-term rise in Earth’s temperature. | Climate crisis, Carbon emissions |
| Green | Environment | Sustainability | Environmentally friendly practices/products. | Eco-friendly, Renewable |
| Green infrastructure | Environment | Urban Planning | Nature-based solutions for urban resilience. | Sustainability, Stormwater management |
| Greenhouse gas emission | Environment | Climate and Energy | Gases trapping heat in the atmosphere. | Carbon footprint, Net-zero |
| Groundwater pollution | Environment | Pollution | Contamination of underground water sources. | PFAS, Toxic waste |
| Gulf of Mexico | Environment | Regional Ecology | Gulf of Mexico is a marine region often referenced in environmental science, energy policy, and ecosystem risk studies. | oil spill, coastal ecology, marine science |
| H5N1/bird flu | Health | Public Health | Avian influenza virus with human transmission risk. | Pandemic, Zoonotic disease |
| Hate | Social Justice | Discrimination | Intense hostility toward a group. | Hate speech, Racism |
| Hate speech | Social Justice | Human Rights | Verbal/written attacks based on identity. | Discrimination, Bigotry |
| Health disparity | Health | Social Justice | Inequitable health outcomes between groups. | Health equity, Inequality |
| Health equity | Health | Social Justice | Fair access to healthcare/resources. | Disparity, Public health |
| Hispanic | Identity | Ethnicity | People from Spanish-speaking cultures. | Latino, Latinx |
| Hispanic minority | Identity | Ethnicity | Underrepresented Hispanic populations. | Minority, BIPOC |
| Historically | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Referring to past patterns of exclusion/marginalization. | Redlining, Segregation |
| Housing affordability | Social Justice | Economic Inequality | Access to housing relative to income. | Poverty, Homelessness |
| Housing efficiency | Environment | Sustainability | Energy/resource-efficient housing design. | Green building, Net-zero |
| hydrogen vehicle | Environment | Clean Transportation | hydrogen vehicle refers to a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells, emitting only water as exhaust. | fuel cell, green transport, zero emissions |
| Identity | Identity | Personal/Social | Characteristics defining an individual/group. | Gender, Ethnicity |
| ideology | Social Justice | Political and Cultural Values | ideology refers to systems of belief that shape policies, cultural norms, and social dynamics. | worldview, values, political belief |
| immigrants | Social Justice | Migration and Inclusion | immigrants refers to people who move across borders, often facing barriers related to policy, identity, and access. | migration, newcomers, policy status |
| Implicit bias | Social Justice | Psychology | Unconscious stereotypes affecting behavior. | Discrimination, Prejudice |
| Implicit biases | Social Justice | Psychology | Plural of implicit bias. | Stereotypes, Microaggressions |
| Inclusion | Social Justice | Inclusion | Ensuring all individuals feel valued. | belonging, diversity, equity |
| Inclusive | Social Justice | Inclusion | Policies/environments welcoming all identities. | Accessibility, Equity |
| Inclusive leadership | Social Justice | Organizational Policy | Leadership fostering belonging and equity. | DEI, Empowerment |
| Inclusiveness | Social Justice | Inclusion | Quality of being open to diverse voices. | diversity, belonging, equitable participation |
| inclusivity | Social Justice | Inclusion | inclusivity refers to the design of systems or communities that ensure all individuals feel welcomed and valued. | access, belonging, equity |
| Increase diversity | Social Justice | Diversity | Actions to broaden representation. | inclusion initiatives, recruitment strategies, equity programs |
| Indigenous | Identity | Ethnicity | Original inhabitants of a region. | Native American, Tribal |
| Indigenous community/people | Identity | Ethnicity | Native groups with distinct cultural ties. | Tribal sovereignty |
| Inequalities | Social Justice | Economic Inequality | Systemic disparities in resources/opportunities. | Inequity, Discrimination |
| Inequality | Social Justice | Economic Inequality | Unequal distribution of wealth/privilege. | Justice, Equity |
| Inequitable | Social Justice | Discrimination | Unfairly favoring one group over another. | Bias, Injustice |
| Inequities | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Persistent unfair conditions. | Disparities, Oppression |
| Injustice | Social Justice | Human Rights | Violation of rights/fairness. | Oppression, Discrimination |
| Institutional | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Pertaining to established systems (often discriminatory). | structural, organizational, systemic racism |
| Integration | Social Justice | Community | Bringing groups together across differences. | Desegregation, Inclusion |
| Intersectional | Social Justice | Inclusion | Overlapping identities (race, gender, class). | Intersectionality |
| Intersectionality | Social Justice | Inclusion | Framework analyzing overlapping oppressions. | Kimberlé Crenshaw, Privilege |
| Intersex | Identity | LGBTQ+ | Born with sex characteristics outside male/female binaries. | Nonbinary, Gender diversity |
| Issues concerning pending legislation | Government | Policy Analysis | Debates on proposed laws. | Lobbying, Advocacy |
| Justice40 | Social Justice | Environmental Policy | Initiative ensuring 40% of climate benefits reach disadvantaged communities. | Equity, Climate justice |
| Key groups | Social Justice | Inclusion | Populations prioritized in equity efforts. | Marginalized, BIPOC |
| Key people | Social Justice | Leadership | Influential figures in advocacy/movements. | Activists, Allies |
| Key populations | Social Justice | Public Health | Groups disproportionately affected by issues. | high-risk groups, priority communities, health disparities |
| Latinx | Identity | Ethnicity | Gender-neutral term for Latino/Latina. | Hispanic, Chicano |
| Lesbian | Identity | Sexual Orientation | Women attracted to women. | LGBTQ, Queer |
| LGBT | Identity | Sexual Orientation/Gender | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender. | LGBTQ+, Queer |
| LGBTQ | Identity | Sexual Orientation/Gender | LGBT + Queer/Questioning. | Pride, Allyship |
| Low-emission vehicle | Environment | Transportation | Vehicles with reduced greenhouse gas output. | Electric car, Clean energy |
| Low-income housing | Social Justice | Economic Inequality | Affordable housing for economically disadvantaged groups. | Section 8, Homelessness |
| Male-dominated | Social Justice | Gender Equality | Fields/industries with majority male representation. | Glass ceiling, Sexism |
| Marginalize | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | To relegate groups to powerless positions. | exclude, disenfranchise, oppress |
| Marginalized | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Groups excluded from societal power/resources. | BIPOC, Disabled |
| Marijuana | Health | Drug Policy | Cannabis plant, used medically/recreationally. | Legalization, CBD |
| Measles | Health | Public Health | Highly contagious viral infection. | Vaccination, Outbreak |
| Membrane filtration | Environment | Water Purification | Technology for removing contaminants from water. | PFAS, Desalination |
| Men who have sex with men | Health | Public Health | Key population in HIV/STI prevention. | LGBTQ, PrEP |
| Mental health | Health | Psychology | Emotional/psychological well-being. | Therapy, Stigma |
| Methane emissions | Environment | Climate and Energy | Potent greenhouse gas from agriculture/waste. | Global warming, GHG |
| Microplastics | Environment | Pollution | Tiny plastic particles contaminating ecosystems. | Ocean pollution, Toxins |
| Migrant | Social Justice | Immigration | Person moving for work/safety. | Refugee, Undocumented |
| Minorities | Identity | Ethnicity/Race | Groups underrepresented in power structures. | BIPOC, marginalized communities, racial equity |
| Minority | Identity | Ethnicity/Race | Singular form of minorities. | Underrepresented, Diversity |
| Minority-serving institution | Education | Equity | Colleges/universities serving marginalized students. | HBCU, Hispanic-serving |
| most risk | Health | Vulnerability and Risk | most risk refers to those statistically most likely to face harm or disadvantage, especially in health or disaster planning. | at risk, vulnerable, disparity |
| MSI | Education | Diversity | Minority-Serving Institution (e.g., HBCUs). | Diversity in education |
| msm | Health | Public Health | msm stands for men who have sex with men, a public health term used in sexual health and epidemiological research. | sexual health, HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ health |
| Multicultural | Social Justice | Inclusion | Incorporating multiple cultural perspectives. | Diversity, Intersectionality |
| Mx | Identity | Gender Identity | Gender-neutral honorific (alternative to Mr./Ms.). | Nonbinary, Pronouns |
| Native American | Identity | Ethnicity | Indigenous peoples of the U.S. | Tribal, Indian Country |
| NCI budget | Health | Public Health | Funding for the National Cancer Institute. | NIH, Research grants |
| Net-zero | Environment | Climate and Energy | Balancing emitted carbon with removal. | Carbon neutral, Renewable energy |
| Non-binary | Identity | Gender Identity | Alternate spelling of nonbinary. | Pronouns, Mx |
| Non-conforming | Identity | Gender Identity | Rejecting traditional gender/identity norms. | Genderfluid, Queer |
| Nonbinary | Identity | Gender Identity | Gender outside male/female binary. | Genderqueer, Agender |
| Noncitizen | Social Justice | Immigration | Person without citizenship in a country. | Undocumented, Immigrant |
| Nonpoint source pollution | Environment | Pollution | Diffuse pollution (e.g., agricultural runoff). | Water quality, EPA |
| Nuclear energy | Environment | Energy | Power generated from nuclear reactions. | Radioactivity, Clean energy |
| Nuclear power | Environment | Energy | Electricity produced via nuclear fission. | Chernobyl, Renewable? |
| Obesity | Health | Public Health | Medical condition with excess body fat. | Nutrition, Diabetes |
| Opioids | Health | Drug Policy | Class of drugs including heroin/fentanyl. | Addiction, Overdose |
| Oppression | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Prolonged unjust control over marginalized groups. | Colonialism, Power dynamics |
| oppressive | Social Justice | Power and Discrimination | oppressive refers to systems or behaviors that unjustly limit rights, freedoms, or resources of specific groups. | discriminatory, coercive, authoritarian |
| orientation | Identity | Sexual Orientation | A person’s emotional/sexual attraction (e.g., gay, straight, bisexual). | LGBTQ+, Pansexual |
| pansexual | Identity | Sexual Orientation | Attraction to people regardless of gender. | Bisexual, Queer |
| PCB | Environment | Toxic Substances | PCB stands for polychlorinated biphenyls, chemical compounds associated with industrial pollution and health risks. | toxic waste, EPA regulation, bioaccumulation |
| peanut allergies | Health | Public Health | Severe immune response to peanuts; a common food allergy. | Anaphylaxis, Food safety |
| people + uterus | Health | Reproductive Rights | Inclusive term for individuals capable of pregnancy (e.g., trans men). | Pregnant people, Gender-affirming care |
| people of color | Identity | Race/Ethnicity | Non-white individuals facing systemic racial inequities. | BIPOC, Marginalized |
| people-centered care | Health | Public Health | people-centered care refers to healthcare that prioritizes the needs, values, and participation of the patient. | patient rights, quality care, engagement |
| person-centered | Health | Public Health | person-centered refers to frameworks that emphasize respect, autonomy, and holistic care in health and social services. | individualized care, autonomy, well-being |
| Person-centered care | Health | Public Health | Medical care tailored to individual needs. | Patient autonomy, Holistic |
| PFAS | Environment | Pollution | “Forever chemicals” contaminating water/soil. | PFOA, Toxic waste |
| PFOA | Environment | Pollution | Type of PFAS linked to health risks. | Water contamination |
| photovoltaic | Environment | Renewable Energy | photovoltaic refers to technology that converts sunlight into electricity, essential in solar power systems. | solar panel, electricity, clean energy |
| Polarization | Social Justice | Political Division | Sharp divide in societal/political views. | Partisanship, Tribalism |
| Political | Government | Policy | Relating to governance/public affairs. | Legislation, Partisanship |
| Pollution | Environment | Climate and Energy | Harmful substances in the environment. | Emissions, Toxins |
| Pollution abatement | Environment | Policy | Reducing/eliminating pollution. | Clean Air Act, Regulation |
| Pollution remediation | Environment | Policy | Cleaning up contaminated sites. | Superfund, EPA |
| Pregnant people | Health | Reproductive Rights | Gender-inclusive term for those who are pregnant. | Pregnant persons, Healthcare |
| Pregnant person | Health | Reproductive Rights | Singular form of pregnant people. | Inclusive language |
| Pregnant persons | Health | Reproductive Rights | Plural form acknowledging diverse genders. | Trans men, Nonbinary |
| Prejudice | Social Justice | Discrimination | Preconceived bias against a group. | Stereotypes, Racism |
| Privilege | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Unearned advantages based on identity. | Whiteness, Male privilege |
| Privileges | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Plural of privilege. | Power dynamics |
| promote | Social Justice | Policy and Inclusion | promote refers to advancing causes, individuals, or ideas, especially in public, educational, or policy contexts. | support, elevate, amplify |
| Promote diversity | Social Justice | Diversity | Active efforts to increase representation. | Inclusion, Equity |
| Promoting diversity | Social Justice | Diversity | Ongoing support for diverse representation. | Allyship, Recruitment |
| Pronoun | Identity | Gender Identity | Word used to refer to someone (e.g., they/she). | Gender-neutral, Mx |
| Pronouns | Identity | Gender Identity | Plural of pronoun. | Respect, Inclusion |
| Prostitute | Identity | Sex Work | Person engaged in transactional sex. | Sex worker, Stigma |
| pyrolysis | Environment | Waste and Energy Systems | pyrolysis is a thermal process for decomposing organic material, used in waste-to-energy and biochar production. | thermal decomposition, biofuel, waste conversion |
| QT | Identity | Queer and Trans Communities | QT is shorthand for queer and trans, used to describe inclusive community spaces or advocacy. | LGBTQ+, queer, trans |
| queer | Identity | LGBTQ+ | queer refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | LGBTQ+, genderqueer, non-binary |
| race | Social Justice | Race and Ethnicity | Race refers to the categorization of humans based on physical characteristics and shared ancestry, often tied to social constructs and systemic impacts. | racism, ethnicity, racial equity, discrimination |
| race and ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | race and ethnicity involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | cultural identity, diversity, racial classification |
| racial | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | racial involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | ethnic, race-based, identity politics |
| racial diversity | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | racial diversity involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | multicultural representation, ethnic variety, inclusion |
| racial identity | Identity | Race and Ethnicity | racial identity refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | ethnicity, cultural identity, intersectionality |
| racial inequity | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | racial inequity involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | systemic racism, disparities, social justice |
| racial justice | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | racial justice involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | anti-racism, equity, civil rights |
| racially | Race and Ethnicity | Race and Ethnicity | racially involves racial or ethnic identity, representation, or systemic concerns related to racial disparities. | ethnically, cultural identity, race-conscious |
| Racism | Social Justice | Discrimination | Systemic oppression based on race. | White supremacy, Anti-racism |
| runoff | Environment | Climate and Energy | runoff involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | stormwater, water pollution, watershed management |
| rural water | Environment | Climate and Energy | rural water involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | wells, infrastructure, water access |
| safe drinking water | Environment | Climate and Energy | safe drinking water involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | potable water, purification, public health |
| science-based | Science and Education | Scientific Standards | science-based involves scientific validity, research integrity, STEM access, or curricular and knowledge dissemination. | evidence, research, curriculum |
| Sediment remediation | Environment | Pollution Cleanup | Removing toxins from waterways/soil. | EPA, Superfund |
| Segregation | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Forced separation of racial/ethnic groups. | Jim Crow, Integration |
| Self-assessed | Identity | Personal Identity | Describing oneself (e.g., gender, disability status). | Autonomy, Lived experience |
| Sense of belonging | Community | Psychology | Feeling accepted within a group. | Inclusion, Community |
| Sex | Identity | Gender Identity | Biological classification (male/female/intersex). | Gender, Chromosomes |
| sexual preferences | Identity | LGBTQ+ | sexual preferences refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | orientation, attraction, LGBTQ+ spectrum |
| sexuality | Identity | LGBTQ+ | sexuality refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | sexual orientation, gender identity, queer theory |
| social justice | Social Justice | Equity | social justice is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | equity, human rights, activism |
| Social vulnerability | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Susceptibility to harm due to social factors. | Poverty, Marginalized |
| Socio cultural | Social Justice | Cultural Studies | Relating to social and cultural influences. | Anthropology, Identity |
| socio economic | Economy and Housing | Economic Justice | Socio economic refers to economic justice, housing equity, infrastructure costs, or community affordability. | income inequality, class disparities, economic mobility |
| Sociocultural | Social Justice | Cultural Studies | Combined social + cultural factors. | Norms, Intersectionality |
| socioeconomic status | Economy and Housing | Economic Justice | Socioeconomic status refers to economic justice, housing equity, infrastructure costs, or community affordability. | social class, economic standing, wealth gap |
| soil pollution | Environment | Climate and Energy | soil pollution involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | contamination, remediation, heavy metals |
| solar energy | Environment | Climate and Energy | solar energy involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | photovoltaics, renewables, clean power |
| solar power | Environment | Climate and Energy | solar power involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | solar farms, net metering, green energy |
| Special populations | Identity | Marginalized Groups | Groups needing targeted support (e.g., disabled, refugees). | vulnerable communities, at-risk groups, protected classes |
| stem cell or fetal tissue research | Science and Education | Scientific Standards | stem cell or fetal tissue research involves scientific validity, research integrity, STEM access, or curricular and knowledge dissemination. | evidence, research, curriculum |
| Stereotype | Social Justice | Discrimination | Oversimplified belief about a group. | prejudice, generalization, bias |
| Stereotypes | Social Justice | Discrimination | Plural of stereotype. | Microaggressions |
| subsidized housing | Economy and Housing | Housing and Infrastructure | subsidized housing refers to economic justice, housing equity, infrastructure costs, or community affordability. | public housing, Section 8, government-assisted housing |
| sustainable construction | Environment | Climate and Energy | sustainable construction involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | green building, LEED, circular economy |
| systemic | Social Justice | Equity | systemic is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | institutional, structural, entrenched |
| they/them | Identity | LGBTQ+ | they/them refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | pronouns, non-binary, gender-neutral |
| tile drainage | Environment | Climate and Energy | Tile drainage is an agricultural water management system that removes excess water from soil to improve crop production while potentially impacting water quality. | agricultural runoff, water conservation, sustainable farming |
| topics of federal investigations | Policy and Government | Government Oversight | topics of federal investigations relates to federal oversight, funding restrictions, legislative scrutiny, or political controversy. | congressional inquiries, audits, accountability measures |
| topics that have received recent attention from Congress | Policy and Government | Government Oversight | topics that have received recent attention from Congress relates to federal oversight, funding restrictions, legislative scrutiny, or political contro | hearings, legislation, policy debates |
| topics that have received widespread or critical media attention | Policy and Government | Government Oversight | topics that have received widespread or critical media attention relates to federal oversight, funding restrictions, legislative scrutiny, or politica | news coverage, public scrutiny, investigative reporting |
| trans | Identity | LGBTQ+ | trans refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | transgender, gender diverse, non-binary |
| transexual | Identity | LGBTQ+ | transexual refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | transgender, gender identity, medical transition |
| transgender | Identity | LGBTQ+ | transgender refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | non-binary, pronouns, identity |
| transitional housing | Identity | LGBTQ+ | transitional housing refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | shelters, temporary housing, support services |
| trauma | Social Justice | Public Health | Trauma is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | PTSD, mental health, adverse experiences |
| traumatic | Social Justice | Public Health | Traumatic is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | distressing, harmful, psychologically damaging |
| Tribal | Identity | Indigenous Identity | Relating to Native American/Indigenous tribes. | Sovereignty, Reservation |
| two-spirit | Identity | LGBTQ+ | two-spirit refers to individual identity, often regarding gender, sexuality, or personal identification in social contexts. | Indigenous identities, gender diversity, LGBTQ+ |
| unconscious bias | Social Justice | Equity | unconscious bias is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | implicit bias, hidden prejudices, automatic stereotypes |
| Under appreciated | Social Justice | Labor Rights | Not receiving fair recognition/value. | Exploitation, Wage gap |
| Under represented | Social Justice | Inclusion | Having inadequate representation in systems. | Marginalized, Diversity |
| Under served | Social Justice | Systemic Inequality | Lacking access to essential services. | Poverty, Healthcare gaps |
| underprivileged | Social Justice | Equity | underprivileged is tied to equity, systemic bias, inclusion, marginalization, or civil rights across populations. | disadvantaged, marginalized, economically deprived |
| Underrepresentation | Social Justice | Inclusion | Insufficient presence of a group. | Tokenism, Equity |
| underrepresented | Accessibility | Inclusion | Underrepresented concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | marginalized groups, equity gaps, diversity initiatives |
| underserved | Accessibility | Inclusion | Underserved concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | access barriers, healthcare disparities, resource allocation |
| Understudied | Research | Academic Equity | Lacking adequate research attention. | Marginalized communities |
| Undervalued | Social Justice | Labor Rights | Not receiving fair compensation/respect. | Wage theft, Exploitation |
| vaccines | Health | Public Health | vaccines relates to medical, mental, or public health issues prioritized in research, care, or public health communication. | immunization, disease prevention, public health |
| Victim | Identity | Trauma | Person harmed by crime/abuse. | Survivor, Justice |
| Victims | Identity | Trauma | Plural of victim. | Restorative justice |
| Vulnerable | Social Justice | Human Rights | At risk of harm due to systemic factors. | Marginalized, Protected class |
| Vulnerable populations | Social Justice | Human Rights | Groups disproportionately exposed to risks. | Refugees, Disabled |
| water collection | Environment | Climate and Energy | water collection involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | rainwater harvesting, stormwater capture, water conservation |
| water conservation | Environment | Climate and Energy | water conservation involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | efficiency measures, drought management, sustainable usage |
| water distribution | Environment | Climate and Energy | water distribution involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | infrastructure, pipelines, equitable access |
| water efficiency | Environment | Climate and Energy | water efficiency involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | low-flow technology, conservation practices, sustainable use |
| water management | Environment | Climate and Energy | water management involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | watershed planning, resource allocation, drought response |
| water pollution | Environment | Climate and Energy | water pollution involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | contamination, runoff control, clean water act |
| water quality | Environment | Climate and Energy | water quality involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | purity standards, testing protocols, safe drinking water |
| water storage | Environment | Climate and Energy | water storage involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | reservoirs, cisterns, conservation banking |
| water treatment | Environment | Climate and Energy | water treatment involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | filtration, purification, wastewater management |
| wind power | Environment | Climate and Energy | wind power involves environmental issues, emissions, climate change, renewable energy, or ecological conservation efforts. | turbines, renewable energy, offshore wind |
| Woman | Identity | Gender | Adult female human. | Female, Feminism |
| Women | Identity | Gender | Plural of woman. | gender equality, feminism, female empowerment |
| women and underrepresented | Accessibility | Equity | Women and underrepresented concerns inclusive access, physical or digital usability, or design considerations for people with disabilities. | gender equity, intersectionality, accessibility rights |
Impact on Public Health Research, Disability Justice, and Protections
In public health, researchers reported that they received pressure to avoid terms like fetus, LGBTQ, and vulnerable populations in grant applications to the CDC and NIH. A leaked memo from the CDC in 2017 explicitly discouraged staff from using terms such as transgender, diversity, and science-based in internal budget documents. One reader responding to the leaked lists at CDC and NIH summarized the implications: “If we can’t say ‘woman,’ how do we track maternal mortality?” According to The National Partnership for Women and Families, the erasure of gender and inclusion-related terms from medical documentation “compromises clinical clarity and obstructs data-driven policy decisions.”
When it comes to justice for individuals with disabilities, the removal of words like disabled and elderly prevented researchers from flagging disparities in healthcare access, institutional neglect, and long-term care funding. Without these terms, age-based and ability-based discrimination cannot be accurately documented or addressed in federal programming.
LGBTQ+ policy efforts also suffered. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported that references to gender identity, nonbinary, and assigned sex at birth were systematically removed from agency communications in 2017 and again in 2025. This hinders research on trans healthcare outcomes, legal discrimination, and suicide prevention programs. Scientists publicly warned that such identity based exclusions “obstruct not just analysis but intervention.”
Reframing Identity Based Language via Suppression of Free Speech
The Trump administration repeatedly framed its identity based word restrictions as efforts to protect “free speech” and combat “compelled language.” In public statements and executive communications including Executive Order 14173 on “Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, the administration positioned terms like gender identity, transgender, and pregnant person as ideological intrusions rather than descriptive necessities.
This strategy does not protect free expression in the slightest. By suppressing identity based terms, the administration draws boundaries of state-recognized personhood. Diversity was not simply de-emphasized; it was reclassified as deviant. Scientific and medical professionals, including contributors to The Cardiology Advisor, condemned the policy for undermining accuracy in health communication. As researchers warned, “Removing words does not depoliticize policy.”
In place of pluralism, the administration promoted a homogenized linguistic framework aligned with majoritarian identity norms: male, white, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied, and Christian. This reconfiguration of language was a deliberate tactic to delegitimize populations whose identities were considered politically undesirable.
Conclusion
Identity based language allows the federal government to recognize women, transgender people, Indigenous communities, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups in law, data, and policy. Removing these terms from agency documents, funding guidance, and research proposals was a deliberate strategy to make those groups administratively invisible. Without words like “transgender,” “disabled,” or “Native American,” there is no mandate to collect data, allocate resources, or enforce protections. This is not symbolic. It reshapes who counts in health care systems, civil rights enforcement, education programs, and scientific research. When identity based terms are deleted, the state denies its obligation to the people they describe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are identity based terms like “transgender,” “Latinx,” or “nonbinary” being flagged?
Identity based language is often flagged when it is perceived as politically charged or controversial by certain administrative bodies. This typically reflects broader efforts to restrict inclusive terminology in public-facing science, education, and health policy.
Who decides which words are censored or discouraged?
Administrative officials, policy staff, and communications teams often make these decisions, sometimes informally. There is rarely public documentation, making it difficult to track how identity based censorship decisions are enforced.
How does this impact science, health, and education?
Censorship of identity based terms compromises scientific clarity, erases marginalized groups from data sets, and distorts public health messaging. It also creates uncertainty for educators and researchers writing grant proposals or public materials.
Are these restrictions legal or constitutional?
Within government agencies, restricting identity based terms may not technically violate free speech, but they can erode scientific integrity, limit access to services, and suppress minority representation.
