Daily Talker: 'American' Deemed 'Problematic'

The president of the University of New Hampshire says he's troubled and offended by many parts of a "bias-free language guide" developed by students and staff, particularly a suggestion that using the word "American" is problematic because it fails to recognize South America.

The guide, developed in 2013, attracted little attention until this week, when it was featured on the conservative news site Campus Reform.

Asked about it on Wednesday, President Mark Huddleston said the guide is not UNH policy, and that the only UNH policy on speech is that it is free and unfettered.

Huddleston says he was especially troubled that the word "American" is deemed problematic. He says it's ironic that a well-meaning effort to be sensitive ended up being offensive to many people, including himself.

One section warns against the terms "older people, elders, seniors, senior citizens." It suggests "people of advanced age" as preferable.

Another suggests "y'all" as a better option than "guys" when referring to a group of people.

What do you think of UNH's "bias-free language guide" and its recommendations on sensitive language?