What can I do if a student displays anti-LGBTIQ behaviour in a tertiary environment?
What can I do if a student displays anti-LGBTIQ behaviour in a tertiary environment?
Creating an inclusive teaching environment may require addressing incidents of heterosexism or discrimination. It is important to address incidents of heterosexism, harassment or intolerance as they occur. Silence, or ignoring these behaviours, can send students the message that they are acceptable. When we let unacceptable behaviour go by without any form of feedback, we are sending a message of agreement, whether we mean to or not.
Do not ignore inappropriate language and behaviour around LGBTIQ issues.
Students are working in small groups together on a set of difficult mathematical equations. A few students in a particular group use demeaning language as they work through the complex problems, exclaiming at various times that “this is so gay”.
Stop, interrupt the group, and tell the students, “This is an educational space where LGBTIQ people are welcomed. Your use of the term ‘that’s so gay’ is offensive”, or words of similar effect.
Considerations:
This is effective in that it directly shuts down the conversation and reprimands the student(s) involved, but it may not necessarily be helpful in the long-term. After all, when the students leave they might continue to use the language, use it defiantly next time, or may not have a clear understanding as to why it is offensive or derogatory.
An alternative way of responding could be using the incident as a teaching moment. Question them as to why they’ve used the phrase ‘that’s so gay’ and guide them through a critical evaluation of the term and its meaning. An example could be: “By using the term gay as synonymous with boring, unappealing, annoying or bad, you are…”
This can show them how the term is derogatory and harmful even if they didn’t mean it that way and helps promote an inclusive teaching environment. By adopting this approach, you take responsibility for educating students about LGBTIQ issues rather than forcing LGBTIQ identifying students to do so themselves, which can potentially push them to come out and/or place them in a potentially unsafe situation.
While the teaching approach is likely to provide the most long-lasting impact, time and context constraints may not always allow for it and any discouraging response is still an active and unambiguous message of support for LGBTIQ students.
To report or seek advice about incidents of discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status staff and students should consult the Conduct and Compliance Procedure – Resolution of Unacceptable Behaviour. Advice can also be sought from the Ally Network at Monash.
If the matter is urgent and you are concerned for somebody’s safety, please contact Monash Security (24 hour) on 9905 3333.
Information and support:
This guide is intended get you started on implementing inclusive teaching. For further information and resources, please visit:
Ally Network at Monash:
monash.edu/ally/
Monash Student Association Queer Department:
msa.monash.edu/communities/queer
Safer Community Unit:
www.adm.monash.edu/safercommunity/
For students who may approach you in distress you can refer them to:
Monash Counselling Service (24 hour): 1800 350 359
Monash Security (24 hour): 9905 3333