female | Campus Safe Words

TERM: female
RISK LEVEL: moderate

Definition

“Female” refers to the biological sex typically characterized by reproductive anatomy associated with women. In higher education, the term is used in demographic reporting, health sciences, athletics, admissions data, and compliance with federal laws such as Title IX.

Why It’s Risky

While “female” is scientifically accurate and legally recognized, its use can be sensitive depending on tone, context, and audience. In politically progressive settings, some view the term as overly clinical or reductive when referring to people, especially in discussions of gender identity. In conservative-led environments, the opposite concern arises: using “female” in contrast to gender-inclusive terms can trigger debate about definitions of sex versus gender. The term becomes risky when used ambiguously—particularly in job descriptions, student services, or policy language where gender identity and legal sex classifications may carry different implications under state law. In states where legislation restricts gender-related instruction or mandates sex-based definitions (e.g., Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee), institutions must be precise in how they use the term to remain compliant and avoid controversy.

Common Critiques

From the political left, critics may argue that using “female” as a noun (e.g., “a female entered the program”) can appear objectifying or dehumanizing, particularly in contrast to the use of “woman.” Some also argue that it excludes individuals who identify as women but are not biologically female. From the political right, critics push back against what they view as the erasure of biological categories in favor of subjective gender identity. In states that have legislated biological definitions of sex into education or athletics policy, using “female” inconsistently—or interchanging it with “gender” terms—can result in legal ambiguity or administrative penalties. The risk lies not in the word itself, but in how clearly and consistently it is used in a given legal or political context.

Suggested Substitutes

Women (in general communication or demographic categories)
Biologically female (in health science, compliance, or athletics contexts)
Individuals assigned female at birth (in research requiring gender-specific variables)
Female-identifying students (in student life or survey instruments, if institutionally supported)
Sex-based classification (in legal or policy documents)

These alternatives allow for contextual precision and audience alignment.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Female” is appropriate in scientific research, legal documents, athletic eligibility criteria, and compliance reports that require sex-based classification. It may also be used in standardized federal reporting (e.g., IPEDS) and health sciences curricula. In general communications or student-facing documents, consider audience and legal environment when selecting between “female,” “woman,” or gender-inclusive language.

NOTES: Avoid using “female” as a standalone noun to refer to people; instead, pair with a role or status (e.g., “female students,” not “females”). Be consistent in terminology across policies, especially where legal sex and gender identity may be distinguished. In politically conservative settings, adhere to sex-based definitions where required by law, and ensure clarity in all references to avoid compliance risks or misinterpretation.