[NYCVirago]

For instance, the influential Standard Achievement Test (SAT) requires students to be familiar with terms like "conservatory" and "regatta."

Thanks for posting that example. I was waiting for somebody to post about the word "regatta." IIRC, that word hasn't been on the SAT for at least a decade, precisely because minority groups complained about it.

[jonathanmo]

I remember in the late 70s / early 80s when they were cleaning up the "white" words...regatta & yacht & the like...of course, I've never been involved with a regatta or on a yacht...holy cow! I was discriminated against and didn't even know it!