U. of New Hampshire’s President Condemns Guide to ‘Bias-Free Language’

A University of New Hampshire guide to “bias-free language” drew criticism on Wednesday from social-media posts that cited it as an example of political correctness gone too far, and it was even condemned by the college’s president. The Associated Press reports the president, Mark W. Huddleston, said the guide, which calls use of the word “American” problematic, among other things, is not campus policy.

“I am troubled by many things in the language guide, especially the suggestion that the use of the term ‘American’ is misplaced or offensive,” Mr. Huddleston said. “The only UNH policy on speech is that it is free and unfettered on our campuses.”

The guide was publicized by the website Campus Reform, which is often the first outlet to fan the flames on campus controversies that go on to make national news.

A university spokeswoman told the AP that the guide had been created by a “small group of community members.”