Addressing Sensitive Issues in the Classroom

Many of us find it difficult to address issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation in the classroom. Yet, we must be mindful of these issues as well as others that can be especially sensitive for students. When an issue arises – for instance, when a student makes a comment that involves assumptions about a particular racial group – it is important to find effective methods for responding. Depending on the substance of the comment and the surrounding context, the range of appropriate responses will vary.

Next week, I will be leading a discussion at my university on these issues, along with my law school colleague Danielle Holley-Walker and Michelle Jay, a colleague in the education studies department. As this is my last post here at PrawfsBlog – farewell, thanks for having me! – I thought I would conclude by inviting your comments and suggestions for creating an inclusive classroom. It would also be interesting to hear examples of difficult situations that have arisen in some of your classes and how they were addressed.