Safeguarding SOGI in Schools

Strategies for Navigating Resistance

All students benefit when schools are inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). Unfortunately, resistance to SOGI-inclusive education continues to gain momentum. The importance of creating safer and more inclusive environments for all students may be intuitive to many educators but knowing how to respond in the face of resistance is likely not.

Anyone connected to the school system – from staff and students to parents and community members – can find strategies that they can apply in their school system in this Safeguarding SOGI in Schools resource. Find the approach that works for you and your context from the many options included below.

Advocating for Change

Strategies:

• Parent Network Mapping
• Storytelling for Change
• Quiet Parent Allyship

Creating Inclusive Spaces

Strategies:

• Staff Network of Support
• GSA Endorsement Policy

Sharing Info & Resources

Strategies:

• Policy Literacy Workshops
• Curriculum Mapping
• Hosting Parent Info Nights

Holding the Line

Strategies:

• The SOGI Documentation Diary
• Using Neutral Language
• Professional Framing
• Strategic Silence
• Cooldown Clause