About Latine Student Involvement

Latine Student Involvement
Latine Student Involvement and Advocacy promotes student development and campus participation for Latine students. We are committed to the creation and maintenance of a campus environment where Latine identity and issues are affirmed and supported. We are committed to helping students to succeed at the University through opportunities for personal growth, organizational involvement and community development.

Terminology Related to Latine Identity

What is “Latine?”

Latine is a gender-neutral alternative to Latino and Latina. Latine originates from LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish-speaking countries and replaces the “a” and “o” in Latina/o with the gender-neutral Spanish letter “e”. The letter “e” can be found in non-gendered Spanish nouns like “estudiante” (student).
At MICA, we will primarily use Latine to refer to the community at UMD to foster a welcoming environment for everyone that is a part of the Latine diaspora.

What is "Hispanic?"

Hispanic refers to Spanish-speaking communities or those with Spanish ancestry, excluding those with Indigenous heritage and Brazilian populations. This term was introduced and popularized during the Nixon administration in the 1970s.

What is "Latina/o?"

Latina/o refers to individuals from Latin America, using gender-binary grammar (Latino for men, Latina for women).

What is "Latinx?"

Latinx is recognized as a gender-neutral alternative to Latino and Latina. The term was popularized among academic, LGBTQIA+, and non-binary communities in the U.S. Some reject it due to its imposition on Indigenous languages.

Why the Change?

"Latine" moves away from the academic and U.S.-centric terminology, embracing a term that is more natural and widely accepted within Spanish-speaking communities.
The term "Latine" reflects the diverse and intersectional experiences of our community.
We aim to create an inclusive environment for all Latine students.

Who is included in “Latine?"

The term encompasses people from Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The Latine community is vast and diverse, crossing racial identities, ethnic backgrounds, citizenship statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic statuses, ability statuses, skin tones, hair textures, and more.

Do I have to use “Latine?"

No, you do not have to use "Latine." MICA is adopting "Latine" to promote inclusivity and respect for diverse identities! You are encouraged to use the term that best reflects your identity. Our goal is to create a welcoming and affirming environment for everyone in our community!

References

The Hispanic Executive - A Brief Explainer on Latinx and Latine
Chicago History Museum - Why We’re Saying “Latine”
Alexis R. Miranda et al., 2023 - Latino? Latinx? Latine? A Call for Inclusive Categories in Epidemiologic Research