RI Gender in Schools

After reviewing the pages from the Rhode Island Gender in Schools packet, I think all teachers should take a look at these definitions and refresh themselves.  I noticed that Rhode Island was the second state to prohibit workplace discrimination in 2001. I was surprised at the year but also confused, I'm not sure if I should have expected it to be earlier or later. 

It might be generational but I can't say I learned too many new concepts.  It may be because I have been around students of all ages and backgrounds for most of my life, or because I am younger future teacher who grew up with these themes.  What I did notice, was the Rhode Island Interscholastic League was an organization that I don't think existed when I was in schools, or they were and I had no idea! Below is their policy on their sports teams and members:

"All students should have the opportunity to participate in the RIIL activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s records. Once the student has been granted eligibility to participate in the sports consistent with his/her gender identity, the eligibility is granted for the duration of the student’s participation and does not need to be renewed every sports season or school year. All discussion and documentation will be kept confidential, and the proceedings will be sealed unless the student and family make a specific request."

I thought it was important to note that these discussions would be kept confidential due to its sensitive topic.  I also appreciate the amount of references are located at the bottom of the document, a great way to further understand the themes within.  Under the Mission Statement they make it clear that good sportsmanship is important.  I appreciate the focus on this because sports are more than the game!

According to the second article "Queering Our Schools" it was noted that students will have a lot of questions if this topic is brought up, especially the younger grades who probably aren't exposed to enough to realize/remember.  The author explains that it will be complex to answer some questions they may have.  As I think it's important to ask, some answers are better left for another day!

My cooperating teacher was telling me how he had to address a group of students who were calling another classmate "gay."  He had said that even though the student was, it still wasn't okay to be talking to anyone in that way.  He had talked to each of his classes and after the class this student was in, he went up to his desk and thanked him by simply saying "thank you" and nothing else.  

As teachers we need to have our students backs no matter what the situation may be.  Bullying of any kind is not tolerated or accepted and it is good to stop it as soon as it occurs so it won't happen again.  Sometimes students find trust in their teachers more than their own family, the only way to receive that bond is to be open minded and genuinely kind.