doing allyship “wrong” is better than doing nothing at all. Equity unlearning is a lifelong journey and mistakes will happen. Tat’s vir- tually unavoidable as language evolves and we untangle our own subconscious lessons from a biased culture. What matters is apologizing, learning from the missteps, and remaining committed to the work. As educators, we’re faced all the time with
changing responsibilities and many of us have had a moment of fear when assigned to teach a new grade level or subject that we’re not confident about. But we process our nerves and do what we need to do to become com- fortable and competent teaching Kindies, or Grade 8 math, or whatever the challenge may be, because we’re dedicated professionals. Te same attitude and process applies to teaching equity topics. I’d challenge everyone to put the safety
and well-being of children above the fear of conflict. Teachers tend to be conflict-averse, heart-driven people, so this fear makes sense. But you’re not just “allowed” to do this work, it’s actually an expectation of our jobs. So if you face pushback, you can simply reply that public schools are mandated to respect hu- man rights and create safe learning environ- ments for everyone. Refer anyone who keeps pushing to your school administration. You don’t need to engage in a full-on conversa- tion if you don’t feel comfortable. Sometimes a heart-to-heart can really clear up confusion about what’s being taught, why it matters, how it’s age-appropriate, etc., but that only works if the person pushing back is open to learning. Te language being used by those push-
ing back can be deeply offensive. A teacher at my school, who is an ally and helps run the GSA, was recently called a “groomer” for her efforts to create 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Tis language stems from the debunked myth that gay people are “recruiting” for their “team,” pushing an “agenda” to “convert” children so they can sexually abuse them. Tis is beyond reprehensible as an accusation, and she was understandably upset. Respected advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights
Stan Mitchell is credited with saying, “If you claim to be someone’s ally, but aren’t getting hit by the stones thrown at them, you aren’t standing close enough.” I love this quote, because it captures the reality that allyship entails discomfort and risk, that there is real harm happening, and that allyship can’t be performative. You don’t just put up a safe space poster and declare yourself an ally. Te community you’re supporting affirms you as an ally aſter sustained, meaningful actions
18 ETFO VOICE | SUMMER 2023
“THE TIME FOR SILENCE OR UNCERTAINTY IS LONG PAST. THE 2SLGBTQ+ STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND STAFF IN YOUR BUILDING NEED YOU RIGHT NOW, ARGUABLY MORE THAN EVER. AS HATRED IS RAMPING UP AND BECOMING LOUDER, OUR COLLECTIVE SUPPORT AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIVERSITY MUST BECOME LOUDER TOO. WE NEED TO HOLD THE LINE TOGETHER AS TEACHERS, STANDING UP FOR SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE STUDENTS.”
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