Madelaine Adelman, associate professor of justice and social inquiry in ASU’s School of Social Transformation, led a workshop at the 2011 Leadership for Equity and Excellence Forum to help educators learn about new research-based strategies and resources for creating safe, respectful learning environments for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.
“I do this work for selfish reasons as an educator,” says Adelman, who is co-founder and co-chair of the Phoenix chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and co-chairs GLSEN’s National Advisory Council. “Everyone benefits from a school climate where difference is respected and children feel safe to be themselves. Students who are bullied and oppressed, who don’t make it through K-12, don’t make it to my university classroom.”