Black | Campus Safe Words

TERM: Black
RISK LEVEL: High

Why It’s Risky

The term “Black,” when capitalized and used to describe a racial or cultural identity, is widely adopted in DEI, media, and academic standards. However, in states with legislation such as Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Texas Senate Bill 17, its use—particularly when paired with equity goals, advocacy language, or systemic critiques—can be seen as promoting a race-conscious agenda. Referring to “Black students,” “Black excellence,” or “supporting Black faculty” without clear academic or compliance-based justification may trigger scrutiny for perceived ideological bias or preferential treatment.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that emphasizing racial categories, especially in capitalized form or in identity-based programming, reinforces division and undermines race-neutral policies. Some legislators view the term’s use in institutional goals or recruitment materials as indicative of DEI influence and as advancing a social justice agenda incompatible with public neutrality. There is also concern about inconsistent capitalization across racial terms, which some see as evidence of political bias.

When It’s Still Appropriate

“Black” is appropriate in demographic reporting, legal compliance (e.g., Title VI), and when citing federal categories or academic research. It can also be used in disciplines such as history, literature, and sociology when referring to racial identity or cultural movements. When used, the term should be clearly tied to scholarly inquiry, government standards, or data collection protocols to minimize risk.

Suggested Substitutes

1. African American (when context aligns with cultural or national identity)

2. Black or African American (as used in U.S. Census and federal reporting)

3. Racially underrepresented groups (for broader reference)

4. Students from diverse racial backgrounds (in outreach or policy language)

5. Demographic category: Black (in administrative forms or reports)

Notes:
Use “Black” with precision and consistency, especially in formal documents or research. Be aware of the political sensitivity around racial terminology and avoid framing that implies institutional endorsement of race-specific advocacy unless required by law or accreditation. When in doubt, reference federal or institutional classification standards to justify usage. Avoid pairing the term with ideological language unless grounded in academic study.