gender | Campus Safe Words

TERM: gender
RISK LEVEL: high

Definition

“Gender” refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities associated with being male, female, or another identity, distinct from biological sex. In higher education, the term is commonly used in diversity statements, course offerings, HR policies, student services, and research relating to identity, equity, and inclusion.

Why It’s Risky

While standard in academic and legal discourse, “gender” is increasingly politically sensitive in states with legislation limiting or redefining its usage. Under laws such as Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act, Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act, and Oklahoma’s executive orders defining “sex” in legal terms, public institutions may be required to distinguish between biological sex and gender identity. When used without precision—or when embedded in policies, trainings, or communications perceived as affirming non-binary or fluid definitions—“gender” may be seen as advancing contested ideology. The risk is especially acute when the term appears in hiring rubrics, course catalogs, or K–12-facing programs that are publicly funded.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that institutional use of “gender” often reflects progressive social theories, particularly when framed as fluid, self-defined, or culturally constructed. In conservative policy environments, such framing is viewed as undermining biological reality, religious freedom, or parental rights. References to gender in training or curriculum have prompted accusations of ideological indoctrination or compelled speech, especially when associated with pronoun policies, gender-inclusive facilities, or intersectional pedagogy. In legislative hearings and board reviews, institutions have been challenged for using gender-based frameworks in ways that appear to enforce uniform beliefs about identity or to downplay sex-based legal standards. Critics also claim that expansive gender language can cause administrative confusion and mission drift, particularly when embedded in compliance documents or general education requirements.

Suggested Substitutes

Legal sex (in compliance or institutional policy language)
Sex designation (in forms, ID, or housing systems)
Individual identity (in counseling or support services)
Student self-reported identity (in research or survey instruments)
Demographic information (in institutional data or public reporting)

These alternatives allow for context-sensitive references without signaling ideological alignment.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Gender” is still appropriate in academic research, social science courses, and health programming where the term is clearly defined and analytically necessary. It is also acceptable in federally required nondiscrimination statements or grant applications that explicitly use the term. In public communications or policy documents, institutions should use with care and, when possible, pair with legally recognized categories or institutional clarifiers.

NOTES: In politically conservative settings, avoid using “gender” as a standalone category in hiring, policy, or data collection without specifying whether it refers to identity or legal sex. Clarify definitions and avoid language that implies ideological endorsement. Anchor usage in academic inquiry or legal compliance to reduce risk of challenge under state or federal law.