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What is Hate Speech?
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| March 5, 2007 -- A school district in California grapples with 'That's so gay!' and other language often used by its students. |
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| compiled by Jennifer Holladay |
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Hate or Slang?
A civil trial centered on a former Maria Carrillo High School student's use of the phrase, "That's so gay," is resonating on campuses across Sonoma County, Calif., where it's not often clear to students or adults what qualifies as offensive or bigoted language.
Companion Reading
:: James Slusser dissects a coach's anti-gay slur.
:: Karlee Reid writes about homophobia in her school's hallways.
:: Lyle Quall feels humiliated in the face of anti-gay slurs.
Discussion
- The Press Democrat story describes many words and phrases used by students in Sonoma County. What kinds of words and phrases do you hear in your school?
- The National Center for Education Statistics' Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2004 found that nearly 1 in 8 students are targeted by hate-related words at school. How often do you hear these kinds of words at your school?
- Of the words and phrases you hear, which are clearly offensive? Why?
- One expert quoted in the story says that, when determining whether a word of phrase is offensive, it's the speaker's intent matters most. Do you agree? Why?
- How might words create a hostile environment, making it difficult for some students to focus on schoolwork?
- How do you decide which words you personally will use?
Resources
:: The Power of Words: These free, ready-made lessons from Teaching Tolerance make it easy for educators to move beyond "Don't use that word!" and instead help students make informed choices about their uses of language.
:: Model Respect Policy for Schools
:: Model Statement for Addressing Widespread Bias Speech in Schools
:: Training Module: Drawn from Teaching Tolerance's free guidebook, Speak Up!, this 50-minute training session can help adults and older students understand the impact of biased language and develop strategies to interrupt it.
Contact us for permission to reprint this story. Please reference its title and provide the name and location of your school/organization in your request.
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