Writing Style Guide

See titles: clergy and religious

poor / poverty: Seek to avoid references to “the poor” or “poor people.” Use “low income,” “people living at the poverty level,” “people living in poverty.” The poverty level in the U.S. is the income level deemed insufficient for a family or individual to have essential items for living.  homeless / homelessness: Avoid using “the homeless.” Use…

As the AP Stylebook notes, writing about race-related issues “calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and discussions with others of diverse backgrounds whenever possible” about “what language is most appropriate, accurate and fair.” Seek to avoid broad labels and generalizations—remember that “race and ethnicity are one part of a person’s identity,” and be aware that…

Language around gender and sexuality continues to evolve. With minor exceptions, we follow the guidance of the Associated Press style team, which also consults with the following groups: NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists; the Trans Journalist Association; and GLAAD. As a guiding principle, seek to respect individuals’ dignity—ask their input and preference when there is a…

Avoid unnecessary capitals; there is an institutional tendency to overuse capitals to indicate prominence or significance. Standard publication guidance for what and when to capitalize: Guidance for when to capitalize and lowercase certain terms: Guidance for religious references:

See the categories below for guidance on clergy, composition, event, and formal titles. clergy and religious titles: The first reference to a clergy member (bishop, priest, or deacon) normally should include a capitalized title before the individual’s first and last names. On second reference, use only a last name.  See also Associated Press Style Guide, Guide to Rules…

Avoid using “the homeless” as a collective noun. Use constructions such as “people without homes,” “homeless people, “people without…

Do not use italics for book and other composition titles, nor for foreign words. Use quotation marks instead. Avoid using italics for…

See race-related and ethnic references

See race-related and ethnic references