RACISM, SEXISM AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION

WHEREAS, discrimination and stereotyping based on race, gender, immigration status, physical disabilities, ethnicity and sexual orientation must be eliminated:

RESOLVED, that the AFT support and encourage plans, activities and programs for educational employees, students, parents and communities developed and implemented to identify and eliminate discrimination and stereotyping in all educational settings; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT support and encourage such plans, activities and programs to:

• Increase acceptance of and sensitivity to individuals and groups in a diverse society composed of such groups as African Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, women, gays, lesbians and people with disabilities;

• Eliminate discrimination and stereotyping in curriculum, textbooks, resource and instructional materials, activities, etc.;

• Foster the use of nondiscriminatory, non-racist, non-sexist and non-stereotypical language, resources, practices and activities;

• Eliminate instructional discrimination;

• Integrate an accurate portrayal of the roles and contributions of all groups throughout history across the curriculum;

• Identify how prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination have limited the roles and contributions of individuals and groups;

• Eliminate subtle practices that favor the education of one student over another on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, physical disabilities or sexual orientation; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT encourage its affiliates to develop and implement training programs on these matters; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT actively support legislation to amend state laws to include sexual orientation as part of the protection of all AFT members and citizens, especially in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations, and urge its affiliated organizations to do likewise.