Skip to main content

You make this possible. Support our independent, nonprofit newsroom today.

Give Now

Does Changing State Law To Use Gender Neutral Wording Matter?

Untitled
Enlarge Icon

Washington state is in the process of changing the language in state law to make it more gender neutral. Policemen are now police officers, for instance, and freshmen will become first-year students. Supporters say the change is needed because language matters. Critics say the changes are a waste of money. Ross Reynolds interviews University of Washington Sociolinguist Crispin Thurlow, and we take your phone calls.

Why you can trust KUOW