From a "Teaching Assistant Handbook," posted at the website of the University of Texas at Dallas, and later removed:

Words and Phrases that Offend Students
(Because of limited space, it is not feasible to list all of the phrases that offend minority students. Most of the ones listed here have been found to offend Black students, but they may be just as offensive to all minorities.

An instructor to his class: "With the influx of wetbacks, the welfare rolls will increase."

"You are a good employee, for a minority person."

A white instructor to a Black student: "I don't understand what you people want."

Referring to a Black man: "You know the boy I mean."

A white instructor about Puerto Rican students: "Why should I teach them? They'll never learn."

A white instructor to a Black graduate assistant: "You're different from most Blacks I know."

To a minority student: "A 'C' is a good grade for you. Of all the Black students in the class, you made the highest grade."

A white instructor to a history class: "Slavery was not that bad for Blacks; it was better than unemployment."

"This is a good salary for a female."

A financial-aid officer to a minority student: "You don't look like you need financial aid."

An instructor to a Black student: "Are you sure you wrote this paper? It is well put together for a black student."

Instructor to a minority student: "That's the trouble with you people; you think we owe you something."

A white instructor to an American Indian student: "I think your people have made great progress."

To a work-study student: "Do you like this better than housework?"

Words and Phrases You Should Never Use with Minority Students (you should be equally careful of their use at any time):

[Words/Phrases—Groups Offensive To]
niggers—Blacks
gal(s)—Blacks
cuffs—Blacks
you people—All
spicks—Puerto Ricans
wetbacks—Mexican Americans
half-breeds—American Indians
spades—Blacks
chiefs—American Indians
greasers—Mexican Americans
Japs—Japanese Americans
chinks—Chinese Americans
boat people—Laotians, Vietnamese

Note—Not all minority students are affected by these items and actions in the same ways and to the same degree. There are many minority students who have strong role models at home and positive self-concepts.

†