Trump's War on Words: Silencing Science and Erasing Identities

Apr 21
3 min read

Updated: Apr 22

Words, Academic Freedom, the Pursuit of Knowledge - under assault by the Trump administration

President Trump's administration is waging a war on words, attempting to control academic discourse by banning specific terms related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and diversity. This effort extends beyond mere semantics; it's a calculated attack on scientific inquiry, aiming to erase the identities and restrict the human rights of millions.

The Banned Vocabulary:

The administration has compiled a list of forbidden words, including:

Gender
Transgender
LGBT
Transsexual
Non-binary
Assigned male/female at birth
Biologically male/female

This list, initially targeting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has expanded to encompass other federal agencies and research institutions. The Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to strip "gender ideology" from websites and replace "gender" with "sex" on forms. US websites close down after Trump's order to recognise two sexes only | The BMJ

Impact on Research and Public Health:

This linguistic censorship has severe consequences:

Hindered research: Scientists are forced to withdraw or revise papers, limiting the scope and accuracy of studies. CDC Orders Retraction or Pause in Publication of Research Manuscripts
Limited access to information: Vital data on LGBTQ+ health, including contraception guidance and HIV facts, is being removed from government websites, impacting vulnerable populations. Trump's Banned Words and Disastrous Health Policies - Health and Human Rights Journal
Erosion of scientific integrity: Politicizing language undermines evidence-based research and public trust in scientific institutions. Trump's DEI order leaves academic researchers fearful of political influence over grants

Beyond Words: Defunding Diversity and Equity:

The administration's efforts extend beyond banning words. They are actively defunding research grants that address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), claiming such projects are "incompatible with agency priorities." Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Cutting Funding for Medical Research - New York State Attorney General This includes research on:

LGBTQ+ health
Racial and ethnic health disparities
Women's health
Vaccine hesitancy

These cuts disproportionately affect marginalized communities and threaten to reverse progress in addressing health inequities.

A Broader Attack on Human Rights:

This linguistic and financial censorship is part of a broader agenda to erase transgender people's existence and deny their rights. By defining "sex" as solely male or female and prohibiting the use of terms related to gender identity, the administration seeks to exclude and marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. Trump's Executive Orders Promoting Sex Discrimination, Explained | ACLU

The Fight for Free Inquiry:

This assault on academic freedom and human rights must be resisted. It is crucial to:

Defend the use of accurate and inclusive language: Scientists and academics must stand firm against censorship and continue using the appropriate terminology to describe gender identity and sexual orientation.
Support research on LGBTQ+ health and DEI: Funding for these vital areas must be protected to ensure equitable healthcare and social justice.
Advocate for the rights of transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals: We must challenge discriminatory policies and fight for a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The pursuit of knowledge demands open inquiry and the freedom to express diverse perspectives. Silencing science and erasing identities serves only to perpetuate ignorance and injustice.