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 recognizing and honoring students, faculty, and staff who may identify as trans, nonbinary, 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:

• "Personal Gender Pronouns for Faculty" is a resource that has been making its way around the internet for a few years. 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 and the importance of doing so.

• 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 nonconforming, trans, and nonbinary students and make sure their classrooms and departments are in alignment with this effort.

 

Additional Faculty Development Resources

"Gender Inclusivity in the Classroom," Barnard Center for Engaged Pedagogy, Barnard College: https://cep.barnard.edu/gender-inclusivity-classroom

“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/