English Dept Policy on the Use of Violent Language
In order for every student to learn best, the English department strives to provide an anti-racist and equitable classroom environment and curriculum. Our community does not tolerate, nor take lightly, the slurs that arise from homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, misogyny, ableism, or racism. Given the violent and painful history associated with the n-word, no student or teacher will say this word within the context of our school environment, even when reading aloud from an academic text or repeating as part of a song. Teachers and students should refrain from reading aloud, quoting, or writing the word, using instead a referent, such as “n-word,” or, when quoting in print, [n-word].
On Outdated Racial Descriptors
Some of our literary and historical readings may contain racial descriptors that are often experienced in today’s world as outdated or alienating (such as “Negro,” “Oriental,” and, for some LatinX folks, “Hispanic”). Knowing that terms of identity will continue to evolve, and that every person has the right to choose how to identify, the English Department is committed to continual dialogue and learning.