New Hampshire university’s language guide launches war of words

The publication was created in 2013, according to a university official, but generated controversy earlier this week when several conservative websites decried it as a flagrant example of political correctness at American universities.

University of New Hampshire President Mark Huddleston attempted to distance himself and the school from a “bias-free language” guide that claims the term “American” is problematic.

The guide would also replace “seniors” with “people of advanced age”, “overweight” with “people of size”, “poor” with “person who lacks the advantages others have”, “rich” with “person of material wealth” and “healthy” with “non-disabled”.

In another suggestion unlikely to gain traction in New England, the guide suggests “y’all” as a better option than “guys” when referring to a group of people. It suggests using “U.S. citizen or resident of the U.S.” as alternatives.

A university spokeswoman said Huddleston was not aware of the guide until this week.

Many students were bewildered by the objective of the guide, noting free speech is a cornerstone of higher education.

According to the page, four students and faculty members wrote the guide; FOX25 reached out to all of them for comment, but only one faculty member responded, deferring to UNH officials for a response. He says it’s ironic that a well-meaning effort to be sensitive ended up being offensive to many people, including him. The college explained that it serves its objective of building an “inclusive, diverse and equitable community” and it encourages critical thinking.

State Sen. Jeb Bradley, a Republican from Wolfeboro, said he was outraged by the guide and would remember it when lawmakers next consider how much money to provide to the university. Struggles made by university featured inside.