The Vermont Department of Health has sparked controversy with its recommendation to educators and families to avoid using the terms ‘son’ and ‘daughter’ when addressing students. In a Facebook post, the department suggested using what it called ‘inclusive language for families’ in the new school year, advising the use of ‘child’ or ‘kid’ instead. This recommendation, citing the terms as more ‘gender-neutral’, has drawn criticism from conservative groups who perceive it as an attempt to dismantle traditional family structures.
The health department’s stance aligns with its broader advocacy for ‘health equity’, which is reflected in its website’s ‘health equity glossary’. This glossary defines gender as a ‘social, psychological, and/or emotional’ construct influenced by societal expectations, emphasizing its socially constructed nature. It also defines ‘internalized racism’ as a set of personal beliefs rooted in the perceived superiority of white individuals over people of color. Notably, the glossary identifies the term ‘white’ as a ‘social and political’ construct, linking it to a video titled ‘The Surprisingly Racist History of ‘Caucasian’ | Decoded’.
The health department’s promotion of ‘white privilege’ as ‘unquestioned and unearned sets of advantages, entitlements, benefits, and choices’ solely attributed to being white, further reinforces its commitment to social justice initiatives. However, these initiatives have faced pushback from conservative groups, who see them as an attack on traditional values and the very fabric of society.
The controversy surrounding the Vermont Department of Health’s recommendation highlights the growing debate over language and inclusivity in education. While advocates for gender-neutral language view it as a means of creating a more welcoming and equitable learning environment, critics argue that it undermines traditional family values and erodes the foundations of society. The ongoing debate underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of social progress and the potential for seemingly innocuous language changes to spark intense public discourse.
