Methods
Handling Harmful Source Language
This field note is part of the FOBA learning stream. It is meant to orient readers and point toward better source work.
Key points
- Historical sources can contain racialized, dehumanizing, violent, or otherwise harmful language.
- The site should preserve evidence without casually repeating harm: quote only when necessary, keep excerpts short, and explain why the language appears.
- Paraphrase where possible, cite the source, and add context when harmful terms affect interpretation.
Next steps
- Ask whether the exact wording is needed for the claim.
- Use warnings and context for unavoidable quotations.
- Send sensitive wording questions to Fact Check or editorial review before publishing.
Source trail
- FOBA Editorial Standards – Internal evidence and claim-status guide.