How do I address sensitive issues like LGBTQ in my classroom?
As an educator, it is your responsibility to address issues of inequality wherever you see them. While LGBTQ rights can be a controversial topic for some families, the goal is not to make children change any religious or moral beliefs that they or their family might hold. The goal is equality for all students and a safe environment for all so that students can learn. It is your responsibility to teach your students to treat everyone with respect and dignity and to enable all students to feel free to express themselves without fear of bullying.
Do I need to send a letter home to parents?Discussing any issue of inequality in your classroom (such as race or gender) but then labeling other issues as too "controversial" to discuss in your classroom without permission is wrong. All students have a right to a safe learning environment. End of story.
If you plan on discussing issues of inequality and bullying in your classroom and feel a need to inform parents, by all means- this is a great idea! However, be careful not to single out LGBTQ as the "controversial" issue you will be discussing. Instead, inform parents that any issue of inequality, such as racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism, ect. will be addressed on an as needed basis. Never single out LGBTQ issues as something that needs permission to be discussed. Click here for sample LGBTQ lesson plans |
Don't know how to talk to parents that think LGBTQ is inappropriate topic to discuss in the classroom? Take a look at this parent letter to see how one school handles the issue. |