Words matter. Tensions on campuses and the reactions (or lack of reactions) from administrators have illustrated that academicians need to choose their words carefully.
We spend quite a bit of time at TVP Comms thinking through the appropriateness of specific words and debating if phrases accurately reflect sentiment. We talk through whether word choices work in particular settings, and echo the vernacular of today’s world. Last week I had the great fortune of co-chairing a conference on media relations for CASE and I heard from colleagues that they are spending increasing amounts of time reflecting on word choices.
Luckily, a Nieman Reports piece offers media guides for writing about LGBT and race-related topics. As the post notes, “In an increasingly polarized world, journalists need to write with context and precision about race,” and so do higher education communicators.