The liberal arts university in Massachusetts has created an anti-violence resource called the “Prevention, Advocacy, and Resource Center”. Brandeis wants faculty and students to replace “oppressive language” such as “picnic”, “rule of thumb”, and “trigger warning” with less violent alternatives. The university also includes resources on how to use culturally appropriative language as well as appropriate identity-based language. Is language such as “picnic” and “addict” offensive or “oppressive”? Has Brandeis taken it too far?