The leader of a private New York City school defended his organization's decision to publish an inclusive language guide after social media backlash over some of the suggested changes.
In a guide distributed to parents, Grace Church School asked its community to replace the use of "mom and dad" with "grown-ups, folks or family" or to use "people" instead of "boys and girls."
"The Inclusive Language Guide at issue in the press, which we shared with you this fall, comes from that place in our hearts and mission," read a statement from George Davison, the head of school. "It is designed to help the adults in the community find words to affirm and unite."
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The guide states that it's important to not make assumptions about who students live with and who their caretakers may be.
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"This kind of inclusive language helps students with different family structures feel included, whether they have two moms, a single parent, or other primary caregivers," said Mary Emily O'Hara, the Rapid Response Manager at GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group. "And saying 'people' instead of 'boys and girls' helps remove unnecessary gender-based divisions too."
Questions and perceived outrage over the language guide made the rounds on Twitter, with Fox News' Sean Hannity tweeting, "Grace Church School in NYC is asking students to use "inclusive language" and avoid words like "mom" or "dad." What?!"
The school's guide, while offering suggestions, does not ban any words, Davison said, adding that the spirit of the guide is "to give us all words to use that will bring people together."
Some of the other suggestions in the inclusive language guide include:
- Instead of "boys and girls," "guys," "ladies and gentlemen," say "people," "folks," "friends," "readers," "mathematicians..."
- Instead of "Merry Christmas!/Happy Holidays!" say "Have a great break!"
- Instead of Diverse/minority, say Person of color (if how they self-identify), marginalized identity/population.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC school defends inclusive language guide asking students, parents to avoid phrases like 'mom and dad'