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The lesson series, “The Role of Gay Men and Lesbians in the Civil Rights Movement,” challenges instructors and students to rethink the ways in which race, gender, sexual orientation, politics and class intersect.

As educators, we cannot be silent about hate. We must take a stand and equip our students to do the same.

A weekly sampling of articles, blogs and reports relevant to TT educators.

Affinity groups offer a platform for voices often relegated to the margins.

Banning a book can go like this: An outraged parent complains about a book to the school librarian or principal. After a noisy debate, the school administrators decide that the book should be removed from circulation. Or, banning a book can go like this: A librarian receives a new book. Perhaps it shows LGBT issues or atheism in a sympathetic light. Perhaps it portrays civil rights struggles in a way that might offend some local sensibilities. Whatever the reason, she quietly puts the book in a back room. Then she politely discourages questions about it.

Today is the 11th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard. I don’t think anyone can contemplate this date without a mix of strong emotions. But for me, the date always brings a special blend of anger, shame and guilt.

The Ad Council of America and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) launched an ad campaign, “Think Before You Speak.” The ads challenges people to consider how hurtful their language can be when the identity of someone is used as an insult.

Schools have a responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment for all students—this seems on first examination a simple enough statement. It isn’t. Two words are key—“learning” and “all.” A school that is inclusive of all its students but unable to nurture learning has failed in its responsibility. An academically successful school that only supports its majority students has equally neglected its obligation.

Three tips for making sure your classroom is inclusive of students with a variety of abilities.

A student’s frustration over a math lesson offers an opportunity to learn about respect.