Latinx | Campus Safe Words

TERM: Latinx
RISK LEVEL: extreme

Definition

“Latinx” is a gender-neutral term intended to refer to people of Latin American origin or descent, replacing “Latino” (male) and “Latina” (female) with a non-gendered alternative. In higher education, the term is often used in diversity initiatives, student organizations, course content, and public communications to signal inclusivity of non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Why It’s Risky

The term “Latinx” is politically contentious and has been explicitly banned from official use by several state governments, including under Arkansas Act 811 and Florida’s language policies against DEI-related initiatives. Critics argue that “Latinx” is not widely accepted by Hispanic communities themselves and represents an imposition of progressive ideology onto cultural and linguistic traditions. When used in official documents, recruitment materials, or public messaging, “Latinx” can signal ideological alignment with contested social theories about gender and language. In politically sensitive environments, use of the term may invite legislative audits, donor withdrawal, public criticism, or administrative penalties for noncompliance with state mandates prioritizing traditional language and cultural respect.

Common Critiques

Opponents argue that “Latinx” is a linguistically artificial term rejected by a significant majority of Hispanic Americans, with national polls showing minimal adoption even among young and progressive-leaning populations. Critics claim it reflects academic elitism and ideological activism rather than genuine cultural sensitivity. Conservative lawmakers and cultural groups assert that “Latinx” distorts the Spanish language, erasing its grammatical structure to serve ideological goals disconnected from the communities it purports to support. In politically regulated states, the use of “Latinx” has been cited as evidence of DEI overreach, leading to policy reversals, funding cuts, and leadership investigations. Some view it as alienating rather than inclusive, arguing that it imposes a U.S.-centric, activist agenda onto diverse Latin American populations with rich linguistic traditions. Institutions that use “Latinx” in official communications risk being perceived as politicized, culturally insensitive, or noncompliant with evolving state education standards.

Suggested Substitutes

Hispanic and Latino communities (in official documents);
Students of Latin American descent (in enrollment materials);
Spanish-speaking and Latin heritage populations (in outreach efforts);
Latino and Latina students (where gender-specific reference is needed);
Communities of Latin American origin (in strategic planning)

These alternatives respect cultural norms, align with common usage, and maintain political defensibility.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Latinx” may be appropriate in elective academic research, courses in gender studies or cultural studies, or student-led organizations where participation is voluntary and the term is clearly contextualized. It should not be used in official communications, institutional branding, hiring materials, or public-facing documents unless directly quoting a source or responding to a federal grant requirement that mandates its use.

NOTES: Avoid using “Latinx” in official or public-facing documents. Prefer traditional and widely recognized terms that align with the linguistic and cultural preferences of Hispanic communities and comply with state-level legal requirements.