Words Matter. Why Else Are Certain Ones Being Stripped from Our Vocabulary?

My childhood was blessed. I was born into a family of readers, and both my parents encouraged my love of the written word. My parents also taught me that words have power. I can choose to use my words for good or not. Either way, my words have consequences.

There is a reason the first amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the press.

And yet, in light of the executive orders and memos flying left and right from the highest office of this land, language is being stripped of our vocabulary left and right.

In early February, the National Science Foundation (NSF) released a new decision tree that will trigger further review to determine whether or not certain language complies with the president’s order to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from federal work. A list of trigger words that will impact an organization’s ability to fund their work was included, though it is unclear if NSF or another organization came up with these words.

Before I get into those details, it’s important to understand who the National Science Foundation is. The NSF vision is to be “a nation that leads the world in science and engineering research and innovation, to the benefit of all, without barriers to participation.” Their mission is to “promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity and welfare; and to secure the national defense.”

This is all from NSF’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, which can you find HERE. Although something tells me this link may not be viable for long, as their first strategic objective is to “ensure accessibility and inclusivity.” Specifically, it is to “increase the involvement of communities underrepresented in STEM and enhance capacity throughout the nation.”

So back to that decision tree and trigger words. A list of words has been shared through multiple articles as words that will be flagged on websites, research papers, and even grant applications. These words will supposedly initiate a review process to see if it’s allowed in light of the president’s push to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices.

Not surprisingly, words such as bipoc, diversity, equitable, marginalized, prejudice, and racism were included. Other words included: advocate, black, cultural heritage, equal opportunity, female, gender, hate speech, Hispanic minority, indigenous community, trauma, victim, and women.

What’s even more telling are words that are missing.

You can find the entire list and decision tree HERE.

I almost don’t even know how to put into words the rage and frustration and fear I am feeling. Females, victims, and minorities are people. Full stop. We are not dirty words that should be banned from any form of speech. FULL STOP.

Words matter. And this is just the first step of stripping certain ones from our vocabulary, because if we don’t use them in our work, where will they be used?

I’ve seen many a post on LinkedIn sharing ways to “reword” your organization’s work to get around these new “requirements.” But is that really the answer?

I don’t think so. Of course, that’s easy for me to say when I’m not running a nonprofit that serves a community in need thanks to assistance provided by federal funding. But if we’re spending all our time figuring out how to reword what we do, are we diminishing the true need? Are we rewriting history? Are we drifting from our mission? Are we giving power back to the very people who are working to strip the power of our language?

Listen, I don’t have all the answers. Heck, right now I don’t know if I even have AN answer. But Kimberly and I didn’t create HayDay Hot Takes to toe the party line. It’s our platform to share, encourage, educate, rage, and rally when necessary.

So this is me raging. I refuse to stand by and do nothing while the powers that be grow in their brazenness. This is me asking you for solutions. Because what I’m looking for is an organization that is willing to rally the forces, take a stand, and take the lead.

Grant professionals, fundraisers, and nonprofit employees understand the value of a collective voice. And there are a lot of us. How are we banding together to push back before it’s too late? Which organizations are you looking to for advice, meaning, and solidarity? Which organizations are giving us a means to collectively share our strength? Share them with us at hello@haydayservices.com.

I’d love to put together a list and share with this community, because it is going to take all of us, together, to make our voices heard while we still have the words to do so.

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Amanda Day

Amanda Day, GPC, is a national trainer and speaker. With 20 years of grant prospect research, writing, and management experience, she has the knowledge, know-how, and stories to keep every workshop participant and conference attendee engaged and better prepared to succeed in the grant profession. She is well versed in federal and private grant funding, as well as educating up and using your professional network to best build career path. Her passion lies in preparing grant professionals to successfully fund their organizational and community needs, along with meeting their personal career and leadership goals.

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