Vermont Health Dept. Promotes Gender-Neutral Language

The Vermont Department of Health has advised educators and families to use gender-neutral terms such as 'child' or 'kid' instead of 'son' or 'daughter' to promote inclusivity. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster equity in classrooms and other educational settings. The recommendations, shared on Facebook, aim to accommodate diverse family structures and avoid assumptions about legal or biological relationships. The guidance has sparked significant backlash from residents and right-wing groups, who argue that it undermines traditional family values and constitutes an overreach of 'woke' policies. The department clarified that the aim is to make all children feel respected and valued regardless of their family background. This move aligns with broader trends in progressive language reforms intended to support the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups.