The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has recently sparked controversy with its call for the public to refrain from using the terms "son" and "daughter," suggesting that such language might contribute to an unhealthy learning environment.
This recommendation was made in a Facebook post on the department's official page, where it stressed the importance of equity in classrooms. "When discussing family, it's crucial to use terms that encompass the various forms of family," the post read.
As reported by The Blaze, the post was accompanied by an image titled "Inclusive Language for Families," which provided guidelines on how Vermont residents should modify their language and perspectives. The VDH, which elsewhere asserts that "gender is a social construct," advised Vermonters to use "child" or "kid" instead of "daughter" or "son." The department explained that these alternatives are "gender-neutral and can describe a child who may not be someone's legal son or daughter."
The department also encouraged the use of "family members" over "household members," arguing that not all families share the same residence. This advice comes as part of a broader push to challenge biases that prioritize the needs of white, straight, cisgender, non-disabled, and neurotypical students.
The Blaze News reached out to the VDH for clarification on what prompted this post and whether there was any scientific evidence supporting the claim that the use of "son" and "daughter" could be harmful. The department did not respond by the publication deadline.
The VDH's post, which seemed to further divorce language from biological and conventional meanings, was met with immediate backlash. In response, the department posted a follow-up message on Facebook, stating that the original post was meant to promote inclusive language, particularly in settings like classrooms, afterschool programs, and sports teams. "Language that includes everyone helps children feel seen, respected, and valued, regardless of their family structure," the department wrote.
The VDH's focus on language inclusivity is part of its commitment to "culturally and linguistically appropriate care." To this end, the department has incorporated the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Healthcare (CLAS Standards) into all its operations. These standards, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health in 2000, call for public organizations to establish culturally and linguistically appropriate goals and policies and to partner with communities to ensure the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of their services.
In its latest "Health Equity Update," the VDH offered additional guidance on how Vermonters can support this initiative. The newsletter emphasized the importance of challenging biases and prioritizing the needs of all students, regardless of their race, gender, or ability. It also stressed the need for educators and mentors to reflect on their own beliefs and become more aware of issues related to racial and gender equity.
The VDH's call for language inclusivity is not an isolated incident. Other institutions, such as Stanford University, have also released lists of "harmful words" to be eliminated from use. Similarly, New Hampshire's Department of Information Technology issued a memo earlier this year labeling certain words as problematic, exclusionary, or harmful.
While these initiatives aim to promote inclusivity and equity, they have also sparked debates about free speech and the role of public institutions in shaping language and societal norms. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how these recommendations will be received and implemented by the public.
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