Gender Inclusivity in the Classroom

Columbia College Chicago takes seriously our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom. Students are making a conscious choice to choose our college because of the ways we support gender inclusivity. As a way of making an effort to recognize and honor students, (and other faculty and staff as well) who may identify as trans or gender nonconforming, we encourage everyone to be conscious of the relevance of pronoun use and make efforts to familiarize themselves with the following resources:

• “Preferred Gender Pronouns for Faculty,” is a resource that has been making its way around the internet for a few years now. A document originating at Hampshire College, it offers a quick sketch of what it means/looks like to pay attention to a student’s declared pronouns. While there are some emerging issues with the word “preferred,” (mostly having to do with whether or not a felt gender is merely a preferred choice) and there are always politics associated with the term ally, the document still offers a concise overview of the importance of paying attention to pronouns in the classroom.

 

• Faculty need to be aware that Columbia College Chicago has long had a Gender Inclusive Initiative through Student Affairs. This includes the ability to request a name change, the access to all-gender restrooms, and gender inclusive housing. Anyone interacting with students ought to be aware of the ways the campus is making itself welcome to gender non-conforming/trans students and make sure that their classrooms and departments are in alignment with this effort.

 

Additional Faculty Development Resources

“Gender Inclusive Practices for Your Teaching,” Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan:  https://www.crlt.umich.edu/blog/gender-inclusive-practices

“Respecting Pronouns in the Classroom,” by Erin Cross: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/educators-playbook/erin-cross-pronouns-gender-identity

“Teaching Beyond the Binary," by Brielle Harbin: https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-beyond-the-gender-binary-in-the-university-classroom/

“Inclusive Teaching Strategies,” Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Washington: https://www.washington.edu/teaching/topics/inclusive-teaching/inclusive-teaching-strategies/