Information for Faculty on Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Faculty members have a unique opportunity to create welcome and inclusive classroom environments so that all students can succeed. By using pronouns and gender-inclusive language faculty members can help students who do not fall into traditional gender binaries feel seen and heard.
The following best practices can help create a welcoming classroom for all students:
- Set an example by sharing your own pronouns while understanding that not all students will feel comfortable sharing their own. In this instance you can simply refer to the individual by their name.
- Remember the pronouns students share with you and use them. If you forget, or misgender a student, apologize and work to correcting your mistake.
- Challenge anti-LGBTQ remarks both from students and from class materials.
- Avoid gendered language like “you guys” when referring to the class. Consider instead gender-neutral phrases like “y’all.”
- Go a step further and purposefully integrate LGBTQ voices into required reading and use examples in class that expand upon or challenge traditional gender stereotypes
- Listen to LGBTQ voices both in the classroom and in your own life by seeking out books, films, events, etc. that highlight issues and perspectives unique to the LGBTQ community.
- Invite your students to send a form letter to you as their professor
- Read these articles for more examples of ways you can be supportive of our LGBTQ Pilots!
