School says Words Like ‘Mom,’ ‘Dad,’ ‘Parents’ are Inappropriate

A private school in New York City has issued guidance to its teachers and staff, warning them to avoid using terms like “mom,” “dad” and “parents” — because they make assumptions about students’ living arrangements or family status. Instead, Grace Church School recommends replacing the potentially offensive terms with “grown-ups,” “folks,” “family” or “guardians.” The guide goes on to read, “Families are formed and structured in many ways. At Grace Church School, we use inclusive language that reflects this diversity. It’s important to refrain from making assumptions about who kids live with.”