This post is meant to forward you to a thought-piece by the same title by Dr. Tiffani Williams on “Communications of the ACM Blog.”

READ: ‘Underrepresented Minority’ Considered Harmful, Racist Language

WATCH: Conversation in Equity & Justice in Computing: Tiffani Williams, “Language Matters: Abolishing the Harmful and Racist Label “Underrepresented Minority””

Dr. Williams’ reasons why URM is considered harmful, racist language:

1. URM is racist language because it denies groups the right to name themselves.
2. URM is racist language because it blinds us to the differences in circumstances of members in the group.
3. URM is racist language because it implies a master-slave relationship between overrepresented majorities and underrepresented minorities.

In her article, she provides history and recommendations.