• Bias: Bias is preference for or against someone, whether conscious or unconscious.

• Diversity: Diversity is variety in group presence and interactions based on a broad spectrum of demographics, cultures, philosophical differences, and lived experiences.

• Equity: Equity is the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement, while identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent full participation of some groups.

• First Generation Student: First generation students, sometimes referred to as "first gen," are post-secondary students whose parents never enrolled in or completed college.

• Inclusion: Inclusion is the intentional action of including groups in society who may otherwise be minoritized, marginalized, and/or vulnerable.

• Minoritized: Minoritized refers to individuals who are minoritized by racial and/or ethnic background; gender; sexuality; neurodivergence; dis/abilities; etc. The term "minoritized" is preferred over "minority" as it shifts focus from inherent characteristics of a group to the processes and power dynamics.

• Marginalized: Marginalized refers to individuals who are multiply minoritized and marginalized, with special populations included (e.g., LGBTQIA+ people of color; people experiencing underinsurement or uninsurement and undocumentation; neurodivergent people in all stages of recovery; etc.).

• Privilege: Privilege refers to certain social advantages, benefits, or degrees of prestige and respect that an individual has by virtue of belonging to certain social identity groups. Within American and other Western societies, these privileged social identities—of individuals who have historically occupied positions of dominance over others—includes white individuals and heterosexual individuals, among others.

• Underrepresented: Underrepresented refers to groups who traditionally and currently are represented in lower proportional numbers than those groups of higher proportional numbers (e.g., women/womyn/womxn in STEM fields).

• Affirming Congregation: Affirming congregations welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals.

• Agnostic: Agnostic individuals hold belief that a greater entity, or existence of deities, is unknown or unknowable.

• Antisemitism: Antisemitism is fear or hatred of individuals who identify as Jewish.

• Atheist: Atheists believe there are no deities.

• Halal: Halal refers to food that is compliant with Islamic law.

• Hijab: Hijab refers to various types of cloth head coverings sometimes worn by Muslim women/womyn/womxn in public.

• Interfaith: Interfaith involves individuals of diverse faiths.

• Islamophobia: Islamophobia is fear or hatred of the Islamic faith or individuals who identify as Muslim, generally.

• Kosher: Kosher refers to food prepared and consumed in compliance with Jewish law.

• Asexual: Asexual individuals experience little to no sexual attraction.

• Bisexual: Bisexual individuals are those whose emotional, sexual, or romantic attractions are to individuals of their gender or other gender identities.

• Cisgender: Cisgender individuals are those whose sex assigned at birth aligns with their gender identity.

• Gay: This term is used to describe individuals whose enduring attractions are to individuals of the same gender. Sometimes, the term "lesbian" is the preferred term for women. The term "homosexual" is derogatory and should not be used.

• Gender Expression: This term is used to describe physical manifestation of gender through clothing, voice, body shape, etc.

• Gender Fluid: This term is used to describe individuals whose identity shifts or fluctuates, including shifting between more than one gender and shifting between having a gender and not having one.

• Gender Neutral/Inclusive: This term is used to describe spaces and language that do not describe a specific gender. For example, gender-neutral restrooms can be used by any individual regardless of gender.

• Genderqueer: This term is used to describe individuals whose gender identity or expression are neither woman nor man, are between, beyond, or a combination of genders.

• Heterosexism: This term is used to describe a form of bias and discrimination that favors individuals who are exclusively romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex/gender.

• Intersex: This term is used to describe individuals who are born with a variation in their anatomy, chromosomes, or hormones that do not fit the predominant definitions of female or male. The term "hermaphrodite" is derogatory and should not be used as a synonym.

• Lesbian: This term is used for women/womyn/womxn whose emotional, sexual, or romantic attractions are primarily to other women/womyn/womxn.

• LGBTQIA+ Acronym: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans/Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual+

• Misgendering: Misgendering is centered on labeling others as a gender that does not correctly reflect the gender with which they identify, including using pronouns that do not align with their gender. It is derogatory and can be stressful and traumatizing for individuals.^1–7

• Misogyny and Trans-Misogyny: Misogyny is a general hatred and hostility towards women. Trans-misogyny is the same hatred and targeted at trans-feminine individuals.

• Non-Binary: Non-binary identities are not defined along the female/male binary. Non-binary individuals may feel that they exist as both, neither or a mix of identities.

• Pronouns: Gendered pronouns include she/her and he/him. Gender-neutral pronouns include the singular they/them and ze/hir. Many other pronouns exist as well. If unsure of someone's pronouns, simply ask, "What are your pronouns?" As a Rowan University community, we can create a more inclusive space within a group by introducing ourselves with our pronouns, and by sharing pronouns when communicating via email or other forms of communication.

• Research indicates that social gender affirmation through pronoun usage supports environments of belonging and safety,⁸ and reduces depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior particularly among trans and gender diverse adults and adolescents and young adults (AYA).^9–11 In medicine, social gender affirmation and preferred pronoun usage, when utilized in conjunction with patient empowerment models, correlated with viral suppression among a study of trans women of color living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).¹²

• Queer: This is a reclaimed term used to self-identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Not everyone uses this term as it can be used as a slur. Consider context before using this term. Queer may also be a distinct identity for individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity are not adequately represented by other terms.

• Queer Theory: This theory explores dominant norms related to sexuality, and the harms they can cause to individuals who cannot or do not wish to follow dominant norms.

• Romantic Attraction: Romantic attraction is emotional connection to another individual that often involves a desire to be in a romantic relationship. Sexual attraction is not a requirement.

• Sex Assigned at Birth: This classification is of female, male, or intersex based on anatomy, chromosomes, and/or hormones. Sex does not define gender.

• Sexuality: Previously called "sexual orientation," sexuality is the direction of one's attraction. It is inappropriate to use the term "sexual preference."

• Title IX: This law protects individuals from sex-based discrimination in educational programs or activities which receive federal financial assistance.

• Trans/Transgender: These terms are used by individuals who do not identify as the gender that aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. "Transvestite," "transsexual," and "transgendered" are derogotary and should not be used as synonyms.

• Two-Spirit/2S: This unique Indigenous identity embodies traits of both femininity and masculinity or of another gender than that assigned at birth.

References

1. Jacobsen, K., Davis, C. E., Burchell, D., Rutherford, L., Lachowsky, N., Bauer, G., & Scheim, A. (2023). Misgendering and the Health and Wellbeing of Nonbinary People in Canada. International Journal of Transgender Health, 1–15.
2. Cardona, N. D., Madigan, R. J., & Sauer-Zavala, S. (2022). How Minority Stress Becomes Traumatic Invalidation: An Emotion-Focused Conceptualization of Minority Stress in Sexual and Gender Minority People. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 29(2), 185.
3. Puckett, J. A., Price, S. F., Mocarski, R., Mustanski, B., & Newcomb, M. E. (2022). Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals' Daily Experiences of Rumination. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 92(5), 540.
4. Alpert, A. B., Mehringer, J. E., Orta, S. J., Redwood, E., Hernandez, T., Rivers, L., ... & Griggs, J. J. (2023). Experiences of Transgender People Reviewing Their Electronic Health Records, a Qualitative Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38(4), 970–977.
5. Lindley, L., & Budge, S. L. (2022). Development and Validation of the Trans and Nonbinary Coping Measure (TNCM): A Measure of Trans and Nonbinary Specific Ways of Coping with Gender-Related Stress. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
6. Puckett, J. A., Aboussouan, A. B., Ralston, A. L., Mustanski, B., & Newcomb, M. E. (2023). Systems of Cissexism and the Daily Production of Stress for Transgender and Gender Diverse People. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 113–126.
7. McLemore, K. A. (2018). A Minority Stress Perspective on Transgender Individuals' Experiences with Misgendering. Stigma and Health, 3(1), 53.
8. Sevelius, J. M., Chakravarty, D., Dilworth, S. E., Rebchook, G., & Neilands, T. B. (2020). Gender Affirmation Through Correct Pronoun Usage: Development and Validation of the Transgender Women's Importance of Pronouns (TW-IP) Scale. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(24), 9525.
9. Glynn, T. R., Gamarel, K. E., Kahler, C. W., Iwamoto, M., Operario, D., & Nemoto, T. (2016). The Role of Gender Affirmation in Psychological Well-Being Among Transgender Women. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 3(3), 336.
10. Hughto, J. M., Gunn, H. A., Rood, B. A., & Pantalone, D. W. (2020). Social and Medical Gender Affirmation Experiences are Inversely Associated with Mental Health Problems in a US Non-Probability Sample of Transgender Adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49, 2635–2647.
11. Fontanari, A. M. V., Vilanova, F., Schneider, M. A., Chinazzo, I., Soll, B. M., Schwarz, K., ... & Brandelli Costa, A. (2020). Gender Affirmation is Associated with Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Youth Mental Health Improvement. LGBT Health, 7(5), 237–247.
12. Sevelius, J., Chakravarty, D., Neilands, T. B., Keatley, J., Shade, S. B., Johnson, M. O., ... & HRSA SPNS Transgender Women of Color Study Group. (2021). Evidence for the Model of Gender Affirmation: The Role of Gender Affirmation and Healthcare Empowerment in Viral Suppression Among Transgender Women of Color Living with HIV. AIDS and Behavior, 25, 64–71.

• Ableism: Ableism is discrimination or prejudice, whether intentional or unintentional, against individuals with disabilities.

• Accommodation: An accommodation is a modification, whether in the classroom or for the workplace, that ensures an individual with a disability can complete required tasks and functions.

• Accessible: Accessible spaces and programs are made to be inclusive, and generally do not require accommodations. Accessibility is not only in response to disability.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is a federal civil rights law designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are fully included in society and protected from discrimination.

• Identity First Language (IFL): IFL, such as the term "disabled person," emphasizes the disability as an identity. IFL stems from a countermovement in response to person-first language used by some disabled individuals who recognize their disability as part of who they are, not something from which to distance themselves. Some disabled individuals prefer IFL.

• Non-Apparent Disability: Non-apparent disabilities are those that are not immediately apparent. They can be physical, mental, or neurological conditions that limit an individual's daily functions. They are also sometimes referred to as hidden disabilities.

• Mobility Aid: Mobility aids are devices that assist an individual with movement. They can include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, braces, and other similar devices.

• Neurodivergent: Neurodivergent refers to an individual with a brain/mind that functions and processes information differently than dominant society's established norms.

• Neurodiverse: Neurodiverse refers to a group of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals; group diversity.

• Neurodiversity: Neurodiversity is the full range of variations in cognition, learning, behavior, and socialization that exists within the population. Individuals with the following identities may represent the neurodivergent community: attention deficit hyperactivity conditions, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome.

• Neuroqueer: Neuroqueer is a term with fluid meaning and is typically used as an identity or as an action to challenge both neurocognitive and gendered societal norms.

• Neurotypical: Neurotypical is a term used to refer to an individual with a brain/mind that functions in alignment with socially established norms.

• Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was and remains the first civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA was enacted by Congress in 1975, requiring all public education institutions who receive federal funding to ensure equal access to education and one cost-free meal per day for children and adolescents with physical and mental disabilities. Today, this law continues to make available cost-free public education to eligible children and adolescents with disabilities throughout the U.S. and ensures access to inclusive education and services for these students. IDEA also governs how state and public agencies ensure early intervention, inclusive education, and related services for eligible infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disabilities. Further, the law authorizes both formula and discretionary grant funding.

• In 2004, Congress reauthorized IDEA and in 2015, amended the law via Public Law 114–95 (Every Student Succeeds Act, ESSA), stating: "Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: The ADA was enacted by Congress in 1990, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in every area of public life, spanning education, employment, transportation, and overall, all public and private spaces open to the general public. This civil rights law works to ensure all individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as individuals without disabilities.

• Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAAA) of 2008: The ADAAA was enacted by Congress on September 25, 2008, emphasizing that disability "should be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA and generally shall not require extensive analysis." These variances and changes support a simpler process for individuals seeking ADA protection to establish they have a disability(ies) within the definition.

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD): During the 56th session of the UN General Assembly in 2001, as a response to a proposal by President Fox of Mexico and based on experiences in social development and human rights, the General Assembly formed the ad hoc committee for "considering proposals for an international convention to uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities."

• Further, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (A/RES/61/106) was adopted in 2006 and opened for signature in 2007. This was the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century, and the first human rights convention to open to signature by regional organizations. The Convention enacted the treaty in 2008—a benchmark document working to ensure enjoyment of human rights and freedoms by individuals with disabilities. Alongside other international human rights and development guidelines, a cohesive international framework was established to inform national policy making processes and legislation in order to develop an inclusive society and foster disability-inclusive development. On an international level, this framework promotes and supports disability-inclusive policy and practice; on a national level, it requires legislation and policy aligned with international standards.

• The CPRD continues to inform UN Member States in development and enactment of legislation and policy that works to ensure equity, inclusion, and overall empowerment of individuals with disabilities in society. The UN, its Member States, and other stakeholders continue to work towards mainstreaming the human rights, and perspectives and lived experiences, of individuals with disabilities in development frameworks across international, regional, national, and local/community-based levels. Mainstreaming and inclusion of individuals with disabilities is recognized as an effective strategy and featured in international development frameworks, including the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Anti-Blackness: Anti-Blackness is racism specifically against Black individuals and is rooted in U.S. settler colonialism and themes of labor, ownership, and the institutionalization of Black suffering. Anti-Blackness can be displayed by white individuals as well as by people from other underrepresented backgrounds.

• Asian: The term "Asian" refers to the people, cultures, and customs related to the continent of Asia.* Be aware of the differences in geographical areas, and that not all individuals and communities from all areas may identify as "Asian." The term "oriental" is outdated and derogatory, and should not be used as a synonym.

• *Asia is the world's largest and most densely populated continent, and spans the following geographical areas: North Asia (Russia); Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan); Western Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Sinai Peninsula, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen); South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka); East Asia (China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan); and Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, Vietnam).

• BIPOC: The term "BIPOC" refers to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The term acknowledges how violence against Black and Indigenous individuals is foundational to the United States, as the founding and expansion of the country relied on slavery and genocide. The term further blurs the differences between the two groups it is meant to center, as belonging as a "member" of each group is and historically has been different—with the one-drop rule of antebellum and Jim Crow South assigning individuals with as much as "one drop" of Black heritage to be considered Black, and requiring those of Indigenous heritage to prove they have "enough" Indigenous heritage to belong to the group.

• Black and African American: The term "Black" refers to individuals of the African diaspora, which includes individuals in the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe. African American refers to Americans of African descent. Some individuals prefer one term over the other. When in doubt, ask individuals their thoughts on the terms.

• Chicano: The term "Chicano" is a chosen identity of some Mexican Americans. Variations of the term include "Chicanx," "Xicana/o," and "Xicanx," which replace the "ch" with the letter "x" as a way of symbolically emphasizing Indigenous ancestry while rejecting Western colonization. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably with "Mexican American," and both names exist as chosen identities within the Mexican American community in the United States.

• Citizen: A citizen is a legally recognized subject or national of a state, commonwealth, or other polity, either native or naturalized, having certain rights, privileges, or duties.

• Colorblind: The term "colorblind" originated from civil rights legislation; however, it is currently used by individuals who oppose race-conscious policies such as affirmative action. The term is used to argue that race does not/should not matter in decision-making. It is also used to mean that one does not "see" race; however, it is disempowering for individuals whose racial identity is an important part of who they are. The term is inappropriate and should not be used.

• Cultural Appropriation: This term centers on taking and benefiting from the expression, ideas, artifacts, etc. of another culture without permission, often done by the dominant culture. This is not a cultural exchange, which requires mutual consent and respect.

• Desi: This is an evolving term used to describe the people, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent and their diaspora. It is used to describe their unique experiences and to address colorism within the Asian community.

• Hispanic: The term "Hispanic" refers to individuals who reside in or who immigrate from a Spanish-speaking country, or whose ancestors immigrated from a Spanish-speaking country.

• Immigrant: An immigrant is an individual who moves to another country, usually for permanent residence. They may or may not be citizens. Regardless of citizenship, all individuals who identify as such are immigrants. The terms "alien," "foreigner," and "illegal immigrant" are offensive and should not be used as synonyms.

• Indigenous/Native American/American Indian/Alaskan Native: These terms refer to any of the first groups of people living in the Americas. When in doubt, ask individuals their thoughts on the term. The term "Indian" is inappropriate when referring to an individual who identifies as Indigenous, Native American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, First Nation, and/or with a specific tribal affiliation; it should not be used as a synonym unless an individual has specifically shared with you that that is how they would like to be identified. When in doubt, ask individuals their thoughts on the terms.

• Institutional Racism: Institutional racism is the ways in which structures, systems, policies, and procedures of institutions are founded upon and then promote, reproduce, and perpetuate advantages for the dominant group and the oppression of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

• International: This is the appropriate term to use for students who obtain a non-immigrant visa, such as a student visa or an exchange visitor visa.

• Latin/a/o/x/e: This term relates to an individual of Latin American heritage. "Latinx" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to Latina/o. "Latine" is used when referring to a group of individuals of multiple genders or an individual identifying as nonbinary, gender fluid, genderqueer, bigender, agender, and/or gender nonconforming. Latine is the term commonly used among Spanish speakers as it's more easily pronounced than Latinx and can be used in plural forms. When in doubt, ask individuals their thoughts on the terms.

• Multiracial: The term multiracial refers to various races and ethnicities, or an individual whose parents are of different races and ethnicities. Some multiracial individuals use the term "mixed race," or "mixed." When in doubt, ask individuals their thoughts on the terms.

• People of Color, or Person of Color: These terms are umbrella terms for any individuals who are not white. The term "colored" is offensive and should not be used as a synonym. the terms "ethnic" and "urban" also have offensive undertones and are not synonymous.

• Racism: Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed toward someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of society, and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices.

• Refugee: A refugee is a person forced to flee their country due to persecution and/or violence. The term "migrant" may be offensive in some contexts.

• Reverse Racism: Reverse racism does not exist. It is a myth that tries to ignore the power and privilege between the groups involved—white individuals, and non-white individuals. Racism is based on the ability for one group to have the power to dehumanize, limit, and harm individuals from a different group. It is also based on the ability to stay safe from harm due to racial privilege. The group that holds the power and privilege cannot experience racism.

• Title VI: This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

• Xenophobia: Xenophobia is a fear or hatred of foreign-born individuals.

• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around campus.

• Consent: Consent is a mutual and enthusiastic agreement between sexual partners. Partners can revoke consent at any time. Consent cannot be legally given while a sexual partner is intoxicated.

• Crisis Hotline: This term refers to a phone number to call or text when in crisis. These hotlines are facilitated by trained volunteers. Some hotlines serve specific groups, such as sexual assault and rape survivors; LGBTQIA+ people; veterans; etc.

• Gaslighting: This term refers to tactics used to cause targeted individuals or groups to question their own feelings, instincts, memories, and realities, which gives the speaker power over the targeted individuals and/or groups. Gaslighting can take place in all contexts of life; more frequently, it can occur in relationships and work settings.

• Green Dot: This term refers to any behavior, choice, word, and/or attitude that promotes safety and communicates intolerance for sexual assault, rape, relationship violence, stalking, and/or child abuse. For more information, please visit this webpage.

• Rape: According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), rape is "penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

• Rape Culture: Rape culture is a systemic culture in which sexual assault is common and maintained by attitudes about sexuality and violence.

• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact or threat.

• Victim Blaming: Victim blaming occurs when victims/survivors are silenced, shamed, and/or held responsible, even partially, for a crime. It is critically important to affirm victims/survivors and avoid statements including and not limited to, "Don't think about it," "Why didn't you leave?," and "Why didn't you fight back?"

• Survivor vs. Victim: These are debated terms focused on how to identify those who experience crime; usually, sexual assault. Some use survivor as a way to empower those who have lived through an experience, while others believe that it should be a chosen title.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The FAFSA is used by millions of students for financial assistance.

• Minimum Wage: Per law, this term refers to the least amount of money per hour that workers can be paid.

• Socioeconomic Status (SES): SES refers to the social hierarchy based on education, occupations, and income.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP, commonly referred to as "food stamps," is a federal program that assists low-income individuals with purchasing food. WIC refers to the special supplemental federal program for Women, Infants, and Children.

In September of 2022, the Southern New Jersey Medication for Addiction Treatment Center of Excellence (MATCOE), a joint initiative led by the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), produced the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Language Guide for clinical and educational teams, and a version for community-based settings and the general public. Contents have been updated since that time for various SUD education and training programming. Harm reductionist dialects inclusive of individuals in all stages of recovery are included, and the full guide is available at this link.

The essence of the guide maintains that societal language pertaining to substance use and SUD matters and can appropriately change. As with many terms, and in the context of SUD/addictions recovery, person-first language empowers individuals by putting the individual first and one aspect of their personhood second. Our entire Rowan University community can help reduce stigma and harm towards individuals experiencing substance use or SUD by being cognizant of stigmatizing language to avoid, and intersectional language to consider.

For educational information and supportive resources at Rowan University and beyond focused on substance dependence and SUD/addictions treatment, and related terms and issues, please visit go.rowan.edu/recovery.

• Affirmative Action: This term refers to an action or policy that considers attributes of historically marginalized individuals such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, and/or sexual orientation, especially in relation to education and employment.

• Ageism and Adultism: Ageism is discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by elders, that includes being treated with disrespect. Adultism is prejudice and accompanying discrimination over young people.

• Ally: An ally is an individual from one identity group who actively supports members of another identity group.

• Brave Space: A brave space is one where individuals who enter are encouraged to experience threats to their perceptions. This environment strives to challenge implicit and explicit ways that privilege and marginalization manifest for diverse identities. Within a brave space, individuals are willing to embark risk-taking and be openly vulnerable by engaging in difficult experiences, including changing how they understand and engage with the world, and redefining their preconceptions of "expertise." These spaces provide emotional support for the destablization that occurs during such experiences.

• Heterogeneity: Heterogeneity is diversity in character and/or content.

• Identity: Identity consists of the qualities, beliefs, personality, expressions, and/or attributes that make an individual who they are as a human.

• Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a theoretical concept describing the interconnection of oppressive institutions and identities. The term was conceived in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, civil rights advocate and scholar of critical race theory.¹

• Macroaggression: Macroaggressions are large-scale and/or overt aggression towards individuals of a certain race, culture, gender, etc.

• Microaggression: Microaggressions are brief verbal, nonverbal, and/or environmental insults towards individuals based on their identity. They do not have to be intentional.

• Nontraditional Student: Nontraditional students are students who are not full-time students, and/or who entered college/university directly following high school. They may be part-time, returning, commuting, and/or online students. They may also be veterans, have dependents, be working full-time, and/or do not have a high school diploma.

• Oppression: Oppression is the use of power to privilege one group over another.

• Prejudice vs. Discrimination: Prejudice is an unfair feeling or dislike for another group. Prejudice can lead to discimination, which is the unfair treatment of an individual.

• Safe Space: Safe spaces are areas or forums, whether physical or virtual, where minoritized and/or marginalized groups can feel comfortable and supported. These spaces are culturally responsive, and do not tolerate harassment nor hate speech.

• Social Justice: Social justice promotes a just society by valuing diversity and equal access for all social groups.

• Stereotypes: Stereotypes are a generalized idea applied to all individuals in a group, regardless of individual differences. Some stereotypes may seem positive; however, they can still have a negative impact on individuals/groups.

• Tokenism: Tokenism involves making symbolic and minimal gestures in offering opportunities to underrepresented individuals and/or groups.

• Trigger Warning/Content Warning: A trigger warning, or content warning, is a clear statement providing notice that the content following the warning containing writing, photography, video, audio, and/or other forms of multimedia, dialogue, etc. that could be potentially distressing for some individuals who previously experienced stress and/or trauma. These warnings provide individuals the opportunity to avoid content that could negatively impact their health.

References

1. Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum: Volume 1989: Issue 1, Article 8. Retrieved from chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8 on April 14, 2024.