Avoid expressions that stereotype races, ethnic groups, or religious groups. Deliberate racial slurs these days tend to be rare in professional writing. But it is still not unusual to find clueless writers (and politicians) noting how “hardworking,” “articulate,” “athletic,” “well-groomed,” or “ambitious” members of minority and religious groups are. The praise rings hollow because it draws on old and brutal stereotypes. You have an obligation to learn the history and nature of such ethnic caricatures and grow beyond them. It’s part of your education, no matter what group or groups you belong to.

Refer to people and groups by the expressions used in serious publications, understanding that almost all racial and ethnic terms are contested: African American, black (or Black), Negro, people of color, Asian American, Hispanic, Mexican American, Cuban American, Native American, Indian, Inuit, Anglo, white (or White). Even the ancient group of American Indians once called Anasazi now goes by the more culturally and historically accurate Native Puebloans. While shifts of this sort may seem fussy or politically correct to some, it costs little to address people as they prefer, acknowledging both their humanity and our differences.

Be aware, too, that being part of an ethnic or racial group usually gives you license to say things about the group not open to outsiders. Anjelah Johnson and Hari Kondabolu can joke about topics that Jimmy Fallon can’t touch, using epithets that would cost the Tonight Show host his job. In academic and professional settings, show similar discretion in your language — though not in your treatment of serious subjects. Sensitivities of language should not become an excuse for avoiding open debate, nor a weapon to chill it. In the following table are suggestions for inclusive, culturally sensitive terms.

Treat all people with respect. This policy makes sense in all writing. Some slights may not be intended — against the elderly, for example. But writing that someone drives like an old woman manages to offend two groups. In other cases — such as when you are describing members of campus groups, religious groups, the military, gays and lesbians, athletes, and so on — you might mistakenly use language that implies most readers share your own prejudices or narrow vision. You know the derogatory terms and references well enough, and you should avoid them if for no other reason than the Golden Rule. Everyone is a member of some group that has at one time or another been mocked or stereotyped. So writing that is respectful will itself be treated with respect.

Avoid sensational language. It happens every semester. One or more students ask the instructor whether it’s okay to use four-letter words in their papers. Some instructors tolerate expletives in personal narratives, but it is difficult to make a case for them in academic reports, research papers, or position papers unless they are part of quoted material — as they may be in writing about contemporary literature or song lyrics.