Remember when it was the right that got outraged over 'banned words'?

Los Angeles Times - Mar 24th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

In 2022, Stanford University faced intense backlash for its Elimination of Harmful Language initiative, which labeled numerous common terms as harmful and suggested alternatives. The initiative, though not official policy, was criticized by conservatives for its perceived overreach and censorship, leading to its removal. This controversy highlighted the tension between promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and maintaining free speech.

The controversy has now extended to the federal level, with the Trump administration implementing its own list of discouraged words in government communications. This list, targeting terms like "accessible," "female," and "political," is seen as a conservative response to what it deems "wokeness." The administration's censorship efforts reflect a broader cultural battle over DEI policies and free speech, with both sides employing similar tactics to suppress opposing viewpoints. This ongoing conflict underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in balancing inclusivity with open discourse.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging exploration of the controversies surrounding language policies at Stanford University and under the Trump administration. It effectively highlights the tensions between promoting inclusivity and preserving free speech, addressing issues of significant public interest. While the article is generally accurate and clear, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and a wider range of sources to enhance its credibility. The potential for sparking debate and influencing public opinion is strong, given the contentious nature of the topics discussed. Overall, the article succeeds in capturing the complexities of the language policy debate, though it could be further strengthened by deeper analysis and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate depiction of the events surrounding Stanford University's Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative and the Trump administration's language policies. It correctly notes that Stanford's initiative was criticized for labeling many words as harmful and that it was eventually removed due to backlash. The article also accurately describes the Trump administration's discouragement of certain words in federal communications. However, some claims, such as the exact words banned by the Trump administration, require more precise verification and citation from official sources. The overlap of words between the two lists is mentioned, but specific examples and detailed comparisons would enhance accuracy.

6
Balance

The article attempts to provide a balanced view by discussing criticisms from both the left and the right regarding language policies. It highlights the backlash against Stanford's list from conservative commentators and juxtaposes it with critiques of the Trump administration's policies from more liberal perspectives. However, the article leans slightly towards critiquing the Trump administration's approach, using terms like 'dystopian directive' and 'out-and-out censorship.' While these points are valid, the presentation could benefit from a more even-handed exploration of the motivations and justifications from both sides to ensure a fully balanced narrative.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events and their implications. The language is accessible, and the tone is engaging, though at times it becomes slightly charged, particularly when discussing the Trump administration's policies. The article effectively uses examples to illustrate its points, such as the specific words labeled harmful by Stanford and the reactions from various commentators. However, some sections could benefit from clearer distinctions between factual reporting and opinion, ensuring that readers can easily differentiate between the two.

5
Source quality

The article references several prominent sources, such as The Wall Street Journal and conservative commentators, to support its claims. However, the article would benefit from a wider range of sources, particularly those that provide direct quotes or official statements from Stanford University or the Trump administration. Including academic or expert analysis on language policy and its implications could enhance the depth and credibility of the reporting. The reliance on editorial opinions and secondary sources limits the authority and reliability of the information presented.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context for the events it describes, such as the backlash against Stanford's initiative and the Trump administration's policies. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the language lists and the criteria used for deeming words harmful. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as the author's affiliations or biases. Greater transparency regarding the sources of information and the rationale behind the claims would strengthen the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the impartiality of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://spartanscoop.org/2023/02/sandfords-elimination-of-harmful-language-inititive/
  2. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2025-03-24/trump-banned-words-dei-stanford
  3. https://reason.com/2022/12/21/stanford-elimination-harmful-language-speech-karen-american/
  4. https://stanforddaily.com/2023/01/08/university-removes-harmful-language-list-following-backlash/
  5. https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/stanfordlanguage.pdf