Under the new Trump administration, hundreds of words related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and topics like climate change are being flagged for limitation or avoidance in federal agency communications. This directive, revealed through government documents, aims to eradicate initiatives deemed « woke » and has resulted in the removal or modification of these terms on official websites. Although previous administrations have also adjusted their language, this change represents a notable shift in federal government discourse, reflecting the current administration’s priorities and raising concerns about freedom of expression. Concrete examples show the disappearance of terms like « diverse » and « LGBTQ+ » from agency web pages. This phenomenon suggests an attempt to restrict national conversation on topics considered unfavorable by the administration.
Here is this list in English
- activism
- activists
- advocacy
- advocate
- advocates
- affirmative care
- all-inclusive
- ally
- anti-racism
- antiracist
- assigned at birth
- assigned female at birth
- assigned male at birth
- at risk
- barrier
- barriers
- belong
- bias
- biased
- biased toward
- biases
- biases toward
- biologically female
- biologically male
- BIPOC
- Black
- breastfeeding + people
- breastfeeding + person
- chest feeding + people
- chest feeding + person
- clean energy
- climate crisis
- climate science
- commercial sex worker
- community diversity
- community equity
- confirmation bias
- cultural competence
- cultural differences
- cultural heritage
- cultural sensitivity
- culturally appropriate
- culturally responsive
- DEI
- DEIA
- DEIAB
- DEIJ
- disabilities
- disability
- discriminated
- discrimination
- discriminatory
- disparity
- diverse
- diverse backgrounds
- diverse communities
- diverse community
- diverse group
- diverse groups
- diversified
- diversify
- diversifying
- diversity
- enhance diversity
- enhancing diversity
- environmental quality
- equal opportunity
- equality
- equitable
- equitability
- equity
- ethnicity
- excluded
- exclusion
- expression
- female
- females
- feminism
- foster inclusivity
- GBV
- gender
- gender-based
- gender-based violence
- gender diversity
- gender identity
- gender ideology
- gender-affirming care
- genders
- Gulf of Mexico
- hate speech
- health disparity
- health equity
- Hispanic minority
- historically
- identity
- immigrants
- implicit bias
- implicit biases
- inclusion
- inclusive
- inclusive leadership
- inclusiveness
- inclusivity
- increase diversity
- increasing diversity
- indigenous community
- inequalities
- inequality
- inequitable
- inequities
- inequity
- injustice
- institutional
- intersectional
- intersectionality
- key groups
- key people
- key populations
- Latinx
- LGBT
- LGBTQ
- marginalize
- marginalized
- men who have sex with men
- mental health
- minorities
- minority
- most at risk
- MSM
- multicultural
- Mx
- Native American
- non-binary
- nonbinary
- oppression
- oppressive
- orientation
- people + uterus
- people-centered care
- person-centered
- person-centered care
- polarization
- political
- pollution
- pregnant people
- pregnant person
- pregnant persons
- prejudice
- privilege
- privileges
- promote diversity
- promoting diversity
- pronoun
- pronouns
- prostitute
- race
- race and ethnicity
- racial
- racial diversity
- racial identity
- racial inequality
- racial justice
- racially
- racism
- segregation
- sense of belonging
- sex
- sexual preferences
- sexuality
- social justice
- sociocultural
- socio-economic
- status
- stereotype
- stereotypes
- systemic
- systemically
- they/them
- trans
- transgender
- transsexual
- trauma
- traumatic
- tribal
- unconscious bias
- underestimated
- underprivileged
- underrepresentation
- underrepresented
- underserved
- undervalued
- victim
- victims
- vulnerable populations
- women
- women and underrepresented
The article examines a compilation of government documents revealing a list of hundreds of words that federal agencies are encouraged to limit or avoid under Donald Trump’s presidency, as part of an initiative to purge the federal government of initiatives deemed « woke. »
Main Themes and Key Ideas:
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Purge of « Woke » Language by the Trump Administration: The central theme is the Trump administration’s desire to restrict the use of terms associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and gender issues within the federal government. The article states: « As President Trump seeks to purge the federal government of ‹ woke › initiatives, agencies have flagged hundreds of words to limit or avoid, according to a compilation of government documents. »
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Extensive List of Targeted Words: The article provides a very detailed list of words and expressions that agencies are encouraged to avoid. These terms cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Terms such as « accessible, » « diverse, » « equality, » « equity, » « inclusion, » « diversity, » « DEI, » « DEIA, » « DEIAB, » « DEIJ, » « promote diversity, » « racial diversity, » « cultural competence, » etc.
- Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: Words such as « gender, » « gender identity, » « gender-affirming care, » « genders, » « LGBT, » « LGBTQ, » « non-binary, » « pronoun, » « they/them, » « transgender, » as well as expressions recognizing trans people in the context of reproduction (e.g., « breastfeed + people »). The note specifies that these combinations acknowledge trans people, which does not align with the current government’s position on the existence of only two immutable sexes.
- Social Justice and Inequalities: Terms like « activism, » « anti-racism, » « antiracist, » « bias, » « discrimination, » « disparity, » « health equity, » « inequality, » « injustice, » « marginalize, » « oppression, » « social justice, » « systemic, » « vulnerable populations. »
- Environment and Climate: Expressions such as « clean energy, » « climate crisis, » « climate science, » « environmental quality, » « pollution. »
- Respectful and Inclusive Language: Words like « belong, » « community, » « key groups, » « people-centered care, » « person-centered, » « sense of belonging, » as well as terms replacing designations deemed obsolete or stigmatizing (e.g., « commercial sex worker » instead of « prostitute »).
- Implementation Mechanisms: The article describes different ways these guidelines are being implemented:
- Website Removal: Order to remove these words from public websites.
- Material Elimination: Order to eliminate other materials (including school curricula) containing these terms.
- Caution Notices: Advice to agency officials to be cautious in using these terms without formal prohibition.
- Automatic Flagging: Using the presence of certain terms to automatically flag grant proposals and contracts that may conflict with presidential executive orders.
- Impact on Government and National Language: The article emphasizes that this language change is significant and reflects the priorities of the Trump administration. It is described as a « marked — and remarkable — shift in the corpus of language being used both in the federal government’s corridors of power and among its rank and file. They are an unmistakable reflection of this administration’s priorities. »
[!note]
5. Contradiction with Free Speech Rhetoric: The article notes a contradiction between this language restriction initiative and the rhetoric of the Trump administration, including from the President himself and advisors like Elon Musk, who present themselves as champions of free speech. The article cites a presidential executive order denouncing a « pressure campaign by the Biden administration to stifle First Amendment rights » and stating that « Government censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society. » The article suggests that the Trump administration might be more interested in « chilling the national conversation » on its disfavored subjects than expanding it.
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Concrete Examples of Modifications: The article provides specific examples of changes made to federal agency web pages, showing struck-through words (deleted) and underlined words (added). These examples include pages from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the Stonewall National Monument of the National Park Service, and a Head Start memo. A notable example is the FAA where « diverse workforce » is maintained. Another is the Stonewall National Monument page where « lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) person » is maintained. The Head Start memo, dating from 2021 (thus potentially before this directive), uses terms like « disparate impact, » « racial injustice, » and « Black, Indigenous and people of color. » The State Department page mentions the « climate crisis. » These examples suggest a gradual implementation or exceptions to the general rule.
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Motivation Behind the Changes: The article suggests that the Trump administration considers diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as « inherently at odds with what it has identified as ‹ merit, › » and argues that these initiatives have led to « the elevation of unqualified or undeserving people. » This rhetoric is criticized as discriminatory.
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Incomplete Scope of the List and Changes: The article acknowledges that the list of words and the analysis of changes on websites are likely incomplete, as more agency memos might exist and some directives are vague.
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Standard Administrative Practice: The article concedes that each presidential administration modifies official language to reflect its policies and that it is within its prerogative to modify web pages. However, the scale and nature of the words targeted under the Trump administration are presented as a « marked — and remarkable » change.
Here is an example of text generated by artificial intelligence using this list of banned words:
Building a More Just Future: The Path of Intersectionality
In today’s increasingly polarized world, the pursuit of social justice requires an intersectional approach that recognizes the complex web of identities and systems that shape our lives. This comprehensive framework acknowledges that people from diverse backgrounds encounter unique barriers based on their race, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability status, and socio-economic status.
The path to equity begins with recognizing unconscious biases. Whether we acknowledge it or not, implicit biases influence how we perceive and interact with others. These biases can lead to discrimination against marginalized communities, including BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ people, those with disabilities, and immigrants. By confronting our own privileges and prejudices, we can work to dismantle the systemic inequalities that perpetuate injustice.
Activism plays a crucial role in challenging oppressive structures. Advocates around the world are fighting against racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination. Through advocacy and allyship, these activists amplify the voices of underrepresented and underserved populations. Their work highlights health disparities, educational inequalities, and the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution on vulnerable communities.
In healthcare, person-centered care recognizes the diverse needs of patients. This includes providing gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary individuals who may use they/them pronouns. It means acknowledging that pregnant people, regardless of gender identity, deserve respect and quality care. Healthcare providers must develop cultural competence to address the unique challenges faced by Native American tribal communities, Black Americans, Hispanic minorities, and other groups who have been historically excluded from equitable healthcare.
Educational institutions are working to enhance the diversity of their students and staff. By creating inclusive environments that celebrate cultural differences and heritage, schools can foster a sense of belonging for all students. This approach recognizes that people of all genders, races, and abilities bring valuable perspectives to the classroom.
Environmental justice is inextricably linked to social justice. The climate crisis disproportionately affects underserved communities, from indigenous populations fighting to protect their lands from exploitation to communities of color living near pollution sources like industrial areas along the Gulf of Mexico. The transition to clean energy is not just about environmental quality; it’s about the inequitable distribution of environmental burdens.
In the workplace, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives aim to increase diversity and promote inclusivity. Companies recognize that diverse groups make better decisions and drive innovation. Breaking down barriers for women, people with disabilities, and racial minorities requires challenging stereotyped roles and creating equal opportunity employment practices.
For those most at risk, including victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma, support services must be accessible and culturally responsive. This includes respecting the dignity of commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM), who often face stigma and discrimination when seeking help.
The way forward requires acknowledging the intersectionality of identities. For example, a Black woman with a disability experiences the world differently than a white woman with a disability due to the cumulative effects of racism and ableism. By understanding these complex interactions, we can develop more effective strategies to combat discrimination.
Creating a fully inclusive society means valuing everyone’s contributions, regardless of whether they were assigned female or male at birth. It means recognizing that gender exists on a spectrum, not a binary between biologically female and biologically male. It means challenging stereotypes about what people with uteruses can or should do.
As we work to become an antiracist society, we must confront confirmation bias and institutional discrimination. This requires honest conversations about privilege, racial identity, and the legacy of segregation. By acknowledging these difficult truths, we can begin to bridge divides and build more equitable communities.
The path to social justice is ongoing. It requires continuous learning, listening, and action. By embracing diversity and challenging inequality in all its forms, we create a world where everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or ability, can thrive. It’s not just about helping the underprivileged or undervalued; it’s about creating a society that works better for all of us.
In Conclusion:
A significant initiative of the new Trump administration aimed at reshaping the language used within the federal government. By limiting or avoiding terms associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, and other social and environmental issues, the administration seeks to influence discourse and potentially reduce the visibility and support for these initiatives. This approach, though presented as an implementation of new policy priorities, is analyzed by the article as a form of speech restriction that contrasts with the administration’s free speech rhetoric. Examples of website modifications concretely illustrate the impact of these directives within various federal agencies.