Scripps Spelling Bee Faces Backlash Over Inclusion of 'Womyn' as Alternate Spelling

The decision to include the feminist spelling 'womyn' in a study list for third graders has ignited criticism over politicizing language in education.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee included 'womyn,' a feminist variant of 'women,' in its study list for third-grade participants, citing Merriam-Webster as the source.
Critics argue the inclusion of 'womyn' promotes political agendas and distracts from the educational purpose of the competition.
Scripps defended its decision, stating that all words in the competition are sourced from Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, which lists 'womyn' as a valid alternate spelling.
The controversy has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many accusing the organization of prioritizing inclusivity over traditional language standards.
The 2025 National Finals, coinciding with the competition's 100th anniversary, are scheduled for May, but the debate has overshadowed the event's milestone celebration.