CH AR T ING A PATH TO GE ND ER I NC LUS I V E S C H O O LS
Continued from page 5
Point. But while various legal changes and
policies that specifically protect and/or
promote gender inclusivity are necessary,
they are not sufficient. All too often, there
remains an implementation gap that pre-
vents them from truly influencing educa-
tional practices on the ground.
This entry point is marked by tangible sys-
tems and concrete structures. These in-
clude things like student information sys-
tems that accurately represent a student’s
authentically held sense of self, including
those who identify in a non-binary man-
ner. All-gender bathrooms, inclusive dress
codes and uniforms, and visual reminders
promoting greater awareness about gen-
der also represent this aspect. Allotting
resources to facilitate professional develop-
ment about gender, or to support a specific
individual to lead gender inclusion efforts
all represent an institutional commitment
to this issue. The school’s mission, website,
and communications can further enhance
this element. Institutional Entr y Points
“
”
While at first the idea of becoming a more
gender inclusive institution may feel daunt-
ing, in fact it is well within the reach of any
school. Like never before, the conditions
are right. As a society, we are thinking and
talking about gender in brand new ways.
Young people in particular are incredibly
open and accepting of the gender diversity
they see all around them. The basic con-
cepts of gender literacy are relatively simple
and straightforward, even if they are new for
many of us. And finally, the steps for inten-
tionally working to be more gender inclu-
sive are well-established, with many schools
already well along the way towards imple-
menting them. More than anything, per-
haps the greatest barrier to creating more
gender inclusive schools is our will to do so.
Independent Schools
Leading the Way
In multiple ways, independent schools are
uniquely positioned to fully utilize the Gen-
der Inclusive Schools Framework. Commit-
ted to ongoing professional learning, they
can effectively support the necessary devel-
opment of a more gender literate staff and
adult community. Their flexibility allows them
to operate in ways that can enhance work
in each of the four entry points. Grounded
in strong values and missions, independent
schools have at their heart a commitment to
celebrating the unique nature of each child.
Institutional Entry Points
convey your unequivocal
commitment to inten-
tionally accounting for
the unique gender of all
of your students.
Page 18 Summer 2019
convey your unequivocal commitment to
intentionally accounting for the unique
gender of all of your students.
CSEE Connections