How have we arrived at a point where we have to make such defensive statements when no offense was ever intended? Isn't it upon those wanting to change the language to defend their arguments and bring forward thorough evidence that the intended changes will justify the costs (along with an analysis of what the real costs are)? And do we believe that we can create a language that can still work for meaningful communication while simultaneously ensuring that no one can possibly ever be offended?
You don't have to. Just say what you need to and ignore the quetching.
No. It isn't anymore. Because the loud minority now has the means to globally and publicly destroy you if you say something they dislike. You might lose your job or even your personal safety because of a statement that can be interpreted in some way that someone doesn't like.
I am pretty sure that an employee insisting not to abide by this mandate would be reprimanded and even fired if they don't stop.
0: https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/21/a-dongle-joke-that-spirale...