Guide to Inclusive Language: Race andEthnicity | 2
I. About this Guide
This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The
D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the D.C. Office of Racial Equity (ORE) created this guide
to provide examples and explanations, which are not intended to encompass all possible
terms, definitions, or variations.
This guide will focus on the language our culture uses regarding race and ethnicity. Included
below are some helpful definitions:
• Race is often defined as a social classification or association based on a person’s
ancestry, ethnicity, and perceived inherited physical characteristics (hair, skin color,
etc.) (ex. White, Black, Asian, etc.).
• National origin is the state, country, or nation from which a person or their ancestors
were born. (ex. A person born in Venezuela is Venezuelan).
• Ethnicity is a social construct that defines a set of people by their shared common
cultures and traditions, including by not limited to race, nationality, or religion. (ex.
Jewish, Japanese, Creole).
II. Understanding Racial Equity with ORE
Racial equity is both a process and an outcome.
• As a process: we apply a racial equity lens when those most impacted by structural
racial inequity are meaningfully involved in the creation and implementation of the
institutional policies and practices that impact their lives.
• As an outcome: we achieve racial equity when one’s race will no longer predict
opportunities, outcomes, or the distribution of resources for residents of the District,
particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color residents.
III. Understanding Inclusive Language
Language is a powerful tool, both positive and negative, that allows us to communicate and
understand the world around us. Because language is powerful, words can excite, inspire,
oppress, divide, and much more. Choosing our words carefully matters because language can
influence how we think, see the world, live our lives, and interact with others.
When it comes to interacting with others, it is important to remember that certain words might
be considered prejudiced, offensive, and/or hurtful. This type of language is called biased
language, which includes words or phrases that demean or marginalize people based on their
gender, race, age, sexual orientation, class, disability, or any other aspect of their identity. Biased
language may contain hidden messages based on outdated social norms and/or historical
oppression, resulting in reinforced unconscious biases and stereotypes and furthered prejudice