ERIC Number: EJ1394486
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1468-1811
EISSN: EISSN-1472-0825
Race as the Starting Place: Equity Directors Addressing Gender and Sexual Diversity in K-12 Schools
Meyer, Elizabeth J.; Quantz, Mary; Regan, Page Valentine
Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, v23 n5 p491-505 2023
This article examines the role that Equity Directors play in K-12 schools to understand how these roles are structured in districts, the supports and challenges directors experience, and whether and how they integrate gender and sexual diversity topics into district diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with ten participants from nine school districts across the USA that had non-discrimination laws addressing gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Main themes identified from the data concern participant positionality; district climate and priorities; professional development; challenges; and gender and sexual diversity. Most participants had leadership supportive of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and reported that professional development was a central expectation of much of their work, but time, priorities and content varied. We recommend taking a multi-pronged approach to DEI work that addresses structures to support DEI initiatives, hiring priorities and resources. Intersectional approaches to DEI education should be prioritised.
Descriptors: Elementary Secondary Education, Equal Education, Inclusion, Social Justice, Gender Bias, LGBTQ People, Diversity, School Districts, Educational Environment, Professional Development, Barriers, Leadership Role, Bullying, Educational Legislation, Curriculum, Geographic Location
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A