Gulf of Mexico | Campus Safe Words

TERM: Gulf of Mexico
RISK LEVEL: low

Definition

The Gulf of Mexico is a large oceanic basin and marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by the United States to the north and east, Mexico to the west and south, and Cuba to the southeast. It covers approximately 600,000 square miles (1.55 million square kilometers) and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Straits of Florida and to the Caribbean Sea through the Yucatán Channel. The Gulf is a vital region for marine biodiversity, energy production, and international commerce.

Why It’s Risky

The term “Gulf of Mexico” itself is not inherently risky in academic or institutional contexts. However, recent political developments have introduced some sensitivity. In early 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” citing its economic importance to the United States. While this renaming has been adopted in some U.S. contexts, it lacks international recognition and has been met with resistance from other nations, notably Mexico. Institutions using the traditional name may face scrutiny from certain political figures or groups advocating for the new designation.

Common Critiques

Critiques surrounding the term “Gulf of Mexico” are less about the name itself and more about geopolitical and environmental concerns. Some political actors argue that the traditional name does not reflect the United States’ significant economic and strategic interests in the region. The push to rename the Gulf is seen by some as an assertion of national pride and sovereignty. Conversely, others view this move as unnecessary and potentially dismissive of the historical and international significance of the original name. Additionally, environmental groups have raised concerns about ongoing ecological issues in the Gulf, such as pollution and habitat degradation, emphasizing the need for collaborative international efforts regardless of nomenclature.

Suggested Substitutes

Gulf of America (in contexts aligning with recent U.S. executive orders)
Northwestern Atlantic Basin (in scientific or geographical discussions)
U.S. Gulf Coast region (when focusing on the American coastal areas)
Gulf region (a more neutral term in international contexts)
Western Atlantic Gulf (in broader oceanographic studies)

These alternatives can be used depending on the audience and the specific context of the discussion.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

The term “Gulf of Mexico” remains appropriate and widely recognized in academic research, international relations, environmental studies, and legal documents. It is the standard designation used by global organizations, including the International Hydrographic Organization. Unless there is a specific directive or context requiring the use of an alternative name, “Gulf of Mexico” is suitable for most institutional and scholarly purposes.

NOTES: When referencing the Gulf in official documents or communications, consider the audience and the potential political implications. If addressing international or diverse audiences, using the traditional name “Gulf of Mexico” is advisable. For domestic U.S. communications, especially those aligned with recent political directives, “Gulf of America” may be used, but clarity about the terminology is essential to avoid confusion.