Acronyms

Used well, acronyms are a convenient shorthand amongst those who know what they mean.

We use a lot of acronyms in education; I'm sure their use when in the company of those not-in-the-know (say, parents) isn't malintentioned but more likely is done mostly out of a lack of consideration, i.e., not taking into account that those to whom we speak might not understand the acronyms.  I'm equally sure that sometimes acronyms are used because the educator in question doesn't know a better term to use, and perhaps once in awhile is used to overwhelm or barrel over a parent.

But to state that their use is racist?  That's just asininity:

First the San Francisco School Board decided to rename 44 schools because they are named after people with ties to racism or slavery. Now the Arts Department has taken a bold move by changing its name, "VAPA" because they say, "acronyms are a symptom of white supremacy culture."

Schools have yet to reopen in San Francisco, but their Arts Department has continued to work toward ensuring that all students have access to quality arts education.

The director of that department said, "We are prioritizing antiracist arts instruction in our work." So they got rid of the acronym "VAPA," which is short for visual and performing arts.

From now on, they'll simply be called SFUSD Arts Department.

SFUSD Arts Department.  Let that sink in.  And then wonder what's in the water in the City By The Bay.