Try to Create a Prejudice-Free Environment
Sometimes teaching can be a very difficult profession because there are aspects that are at the limits of your control. While you can maintain a level of discipline in your classroom through consistency and fairness, you can't control the uncontrollable. Prejudice and controversy will probably arise, especially in upper-level classes. Dealing with these uncertainties is one of the challenges of an effective educator.
Prejudice in the Classroom
Students come into your class from diverse backgrounds. Every student — and in fact, every person — has prejudices that they carry with them. As you teach, you will witness these prejudices surfacing and sometimes even causing problems within your class or the school. It is your job to keep your classroom as prejudice free as possible.
Your Reaction Sets the Tone
The first clue that students have to your staunch attitude against prejudice should be your initial reaction to any stereotypical or prejudicial statements that are voiced. For example, if a student says something derogatory about immigrants, your reaction should be firm, swift, and forceful. This does not mean that you should yell or become uncontrollable. Instead, with a serious expression, stare at the student in question and say something like, “That type of speech is not allowed in this classroom.” You will have an impact.
Any form of prejudice harms the learning environment. Stereotypes and put-downs should be prohibited in your class, and you should set the example by making sure that you do not rely on stereotypes either.
The point is that you will need to be quick to stop offensive speech. If it gets out of hand, there will be hurt feelings and your classroom could become a battleground. This, of course, is to be avoided at all cost. Your classroom should be a safe haven for all students who feel that you welcome them despite their gender, religion, or ethnic background.
Freedom of Speech
The older the students you teach, the more likely they will be to argue with you concerning their right to voice their opinions. Students often bring up the Constitution and its protections for free speech. Point out to them that they do have the protection of the Constitution; however, according to the law, school is a special place. The Supreme Court has said that speech is not allowed that “materially and substantially” disrupts class. Any inflammatory speech against a group should be considered disruptive to the learning environment.
While your reaction should be swift and firm, it should be fair. Unless a student has a history of inappropriate speech, you should assume she made a mistake and did not realize the implications of her words. Use this opportunity to teach your students why the statement was inappropriate.
Remember, teachers must never say, write, or do things that are appallingly offensive to entire groups of children and their parents. For teachers, such unprofessional behavior simply has no place in the classroom.
