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Many times teachers are afraid to address diversity issues in their classroom. Chances are it may open a door that leads to time-consuming discussion or heated debates, which require some in-depth conflict resolution skills. But if you are serious about creating an environment in your classroom where it is safe to discuss multicultural issues, the Anti-Defamation League can help. They have laid out ten easy steps that can help teachers address some uncomfortable topics.

To begin with, make sure to know yourself and your own limitations. There are many legitimate reasons to be apprehensive about beginning classroom discussions about diversity. It is easy to say, “I want an honest, open environment in my class,” but one must be prepared for possible blow-ups.  As a leader of discussion, you need to understand that some misunderstandings can evolve from clashes among cultures, not just individuals.

To start, you should establish ground rules as a foundation for the discussion. What conditions need to exist so that all of your students feel they can express their feelings openly? These guidelines can then be posted in your classroom. They will serve as a reminder that everyone, not only the teacher, is responsible for enforcing these ground rules.

Diversity is also something that should not be a topic of study for one unit, chapter or week. It is a concept and practice that should be incorporated into all aspects of your class. Diversity needs to seen as a basic topic, a starting block for all other learning to occur. Your students will begin to learn the importance of diversity and tolerance slowly until it becomes nearly instinctual.  It is also important to allow time for the class to adjust to this mode of thinking. Thinking diversely takes practice and time and can eventually mature into trusting relationships among your students. Mistrust, stereotypes and misunderstandings do not disappear overnight.

Once you have reached this point of understanding and trust, it is essential to establish a feeling of goodwill in your class. Allow for mistakes and let the children know that they will certainly occur. Create an environment where mistakes can be addressed without defensive behavior and retribution. 

You must impress upon your students that diversity training is a lifelong endeavor. There is no final level to attain or plateau to reach. We can always become more aware of cultural misunderstandings.  It is okay to let your students know that you are also learning and growing in relation to diversity. This will help you to avoid preaching to students on how they should behave. They may know that the ultimate goal is a peaceful, harmonious class, but they need opportunities to resolve problems and conflicts to reach that goal.

Another useful tool is what the Anti-Defamation League calls “Emergency Lessons.” When you encounter name-calling or prejudiced jokes or behavior, use that time to address this incident within the framework of your guidelines for the class. Failure to address this type of incident can signal to the students that this behavior is acceptable. It is helpful to create an “Emergency” lessons file in which you keep lessons to confront these occurrences of discrimination and prejudice.

Take some time during the day to also share personal life experiences. This will turn your class into a place where their concerns are not trivialized. In turn the class will begin to be more empathetic towards each other. They will also begin to recognize that each instance of prejudice and discrimination is unique.

Make sure to make sure that your classroom materials, such as displays and bulletin boards, are inclusive of all people. Ensure that books and videos are not reinforcing stereotypes. Point out instances of this to your class and allow them to do the same. This will also help you to avoid reducing culture to the three usual F’s: food, festivals and famous men.

And finally, always remember that you as the teacher have an incredible amount of power to influence your students. It is essential to use your time and influence wisely.