The only UNH policy on speech is that it is free and unfettered on our campuses.
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Political correctness is running amok at the University of New Hampshire – where a Bias-Free Language Guide identifies the word “American” as a “problematic” term that should be avoided because some might be offended.
The school put up a statement Wednesday stressing the views expressed in the guide are not UNH policy.
Officials at the University of New Hampshire are denouncing a “language guide” that was posted to the university’s official website. He says it’s ironic that a well-meaning effort to be sensitive ended up being offensive to many people, including himself. The college explained that it serves its objective of building an “inclusive, diverse and equitable community” and it encourages critical thinking. He referred to the guide as a “politically correct starter kit”.
Instead of “rich”, the guide suggests, “people of material wealth”.
Other recommendations include not using the term “Arab”, but rather “Western Asian” or “Northern African people”, and not using the term “blind person”, but rather “visually impaired”.
State Sen. Jeb Bradley, a Republican from Wolfeboro, said he was outraged by the guide and would remember it when lawmakers next consider how much money to provide to the university.
The problem with using the word “American”, according to the guide, is that it “assumes the U.S.is the only country in North and South America”.
University spokeswoman Erika Mantz told the Union Leader the guidelines were written in 2013 by “a small group of community members” and faculty aren’t forced to follow the rules laid out in the guidelines.
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Huddleston said Wednesday that the guide was published because any individual had the right to an opinion. Those reporting lines are under review, she said.
