Last updated: July 11, 2025
In our commitment to fostering an equitable environment, it is essential to recognize and respect the identities and experiences of racialized groups. This section of the style guide aims to provide guidance on language and terminology that accurately represents and honours the identities of individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Racialized groups refer to individuals who are identified or categorized based on their race or ethnicity and may experience systemic inequalities due to societal biases.
Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and attitudes, and using inclusive terminology can promote understanding and respect. This guide will outline preferred terms, avoid terms and the rationale behind these choices, ensuring that communication is sensitive, informed and reflective of the rich diversity within racialized communities.
A note on racist commentary:
When a story revolves around racist language, it can be hard to find the right balance between the public's right to know and the risk of causing further offence. Keeping the details of a slur from a reader can impair understanding. Consider creative ways of communicating the details without using the words in question. Sometimes, leaving out the word is impossible. Always consult supervisors before using racially derogatory terms, and only in a direct quotation and when essential to the story. Using asterisks instead of all but the first and last letters is also an option.
Recommended language and explanation
Please note that this list is non-exhaustive.
Asians, Asian Canadian, Chinese Canadian, Japanese Canadian, East Asians
- Asian Canadian is correct for people who come from Asia or descend from people who lived in Asia. When possible, ask people how they identify.
- South Asian is an umbrella term for people from the parts of Asia east of India, e.g., Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thaland and Vietnam.
- Centra Asian may encompass people from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Black people
"Black people" refers to individuals who identify with Black racial or cultural heritage, often with African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latin-American or African American backgrounds. Always capitalize "Black" when referring to racial, ethnic or cultural identity to show respect and recognize it as a distinct cultural and racial identity.
Enslaved person, enslavement, enslaver
These terms acknowledge the humanity of those affected by slavery and highlights the violence, evil and injustice of enslavement.
Global south, emerging economies
Use specific geographic region when grouping countries together.
International students, newcomers, refugees, immigrants
Using these terms accurately helps clarify discussions about people's experiences and promotes understanding and sensitivity to their unique situations.
Latin American, Latine
Although Latine and Latin American are optimally inclusive terms for this group, we should call anyone whose preferences we’re aware of by the identity they prefer. If we don’t know someone’s preferred descriptor, use Latine or Latin American.
Multiracial, biracial, multiethnic, polyethnic
These terms relate to individuals with heritage from multiple racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Marginalized, excluded, under-resourced, underrepresented groups
These terms are often used to describe groups such as disabled, racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ people that face systemic barriers to access, inclusion or resources. Remember using precise language helps in recognizing the distinct challenges these groups face and in identifying targeted actions for inclusion, equity and support.
Use the specific neighborhood names or terms like "city center" or "downtown" offers clarity and context when describing urban areas
- It’s especially useful for accurately representing local identities and geographical distinctions within cities.
- Using specific neighbourhood names or clearly descriptive terms respects the diversity within cities and helps avoid ambiguity.
White people
"White people" is a general term often used to refer to individuals of European descent or those identified as racially white. White is a generic term, and should be lowercase.
