The Vermont Department of Health issued a caution this week not to use the words “son” and “daughter,” insinuating that a failure to do so may cultivate unhealthy learning environments.
In a Facebook post shared to its official page Wednesday, the department (VDH) — run by Mark Levine, who was appointed commissioner by Republican Gov. Phil Scott — stated, “Many families and students are getting ready for the new school year. Equity in the classroom is an essential piece of a productive and healthy learning environment.”
“When talking about family, it’s important to use terms that cover the many versions of what family can look like,” said the post.
Accompanying the post was an image titled, “Inclusive Language for Families,” which contained instructions on how Vermonters should adjust their vocabularies and mindsets.
According to the VDH, which states elsewhere that “gender is socially constructed,” Vermonters should…
