ABSTRACT
Before you read this chapter, consider your role as a teacher of the English language arts to young people who are in the process of becoming adults. What should you do when you hear them using intolerant, stereotyped, racist, sexist, or any other type of hurtful language?
Ignore the situation(s), believing that in time the students will stop using these words?
Punish the guilty in some manner in accord with the policies of your school building and district?
Calmly, clearly, but cogently explain to the student(s) that “that kind” of language is simply not allowed in your classroom?
Do something else?
