Report: RI schools promote gender role stereotypes
By News Staff
A new report states that Rhode Island’s elementary schools reinforce stereotypes of gender roles.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island conducted its report through a survey of 40 elementary schools in 16 school districts in the state.
Entitled “Girls Just Wanna Darn Socks,” the report states that the schools’ promotion of gender-exclusive activities help perpetuate gender role stereotypes.
The study says that parent-teacher groups hold activities specifically for girls and others specifically for boys.
“Rhode Island girls, routinely sent to dances, are fed the same tired stereotype that they must look pretty and be social, while boys are given access to magic and science shows and physical activities – their own and others – like PawSox games and trampoline parks,” the report stated.
The ACLU examined records showing that throughout the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years, 80% of “girls’ events” at the 40 school studied were dances, and others generally included pajama parties, yoga nights, and blanket sewing.
“Boys’ events” included baseball and hockey games, science and magic shows, and outings for laser tag, bowling, and arcade games.
Although the ACLU’s survey examined events hosted by PTAs and PTOs, the investigation found that schools themselves also promote these events through their websites, listservs, and other methods.
In conclusion, the report argued that the promotion of these events supports stereotypes and undermines Title IX, which has helped break down the barriers between girls’ and boys’ education over the past four decades.
The ACLU called on school equal opportunity officers to stop support of these types of events and instead discuss with event organizers the need to incorporate gender-inclusive activities. The report also called on the state’s Department of Education to provide guidance for school districts on the illegal nature of their promotion of these gender-discriminatory activities.
A copy of the ACLU report is available at: http://riaclu.org/images/uploads/ACLU_Title_IX_Final_Report_031015.pdf
© WLNE-TV 2015
