Creating the Nonsexist Classroom: A Multicultural Approach

Nonsexist approaches to educational programs attempt to ensure fairness and equity to all students regardless of gender and to foster knowledge, respect, and appreciation for the contemporary and historical contributions of both sexes to society. Nonsexist programs provide equal educational opportunity (e.g., equal access to and participation in courses and programs) to both female and male students and reflect the wide variety of roles open to both women and men through the instructional materials presented to students. The study of nonsexist education encompasses a wide variety of sociocultural conditions and equity issues that are relevant to educators and young people in schools. The issues and concepts of nonsexist education apply to all levels of education (from preschool to graduate school), to all curriculum content areas, and to the education of males as well as females. Overarching goals of nonsexist education are to help all students, regardless of gender, develop their full potential for academic, social, and vocational success and to help them overcome the negative effects of sexism, racism, and classism.