Women’s Rights
How and why was the Declaration of Sentiments modeled after the Declaration of Independence?
What is a Hate Crime?
In this lesson, students learn the definition of “hate” and how to use alternate words, discover and understand how national laws are made and apply that understanding to the concept of government protection.
The Lavender Scare
How did the conditions of the Cold War lead to the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans?
Critiquing Hate Crimes Legislation
In this lesson, students learn to access, study and compare primary-source documents, to research and organize information and to plan, organize and execute a live performance.
The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement
How did the black civil rights movement influence other activist movements of the late 1960s and 1970s?
Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History
The film tells an inspiring story of a young gay man who took a stand against the bullying he experienced in school. It is designed to create empathy for victims and to encourage others to take action.
How were gays and lesbians viewed and treated by the U.S. government?
Students will study the treatment of gay and lesbian federal workers during the period of McCarthyism.
Understanding Gender Identity
In this lesson students learn about gender identity and explore the impact of rigid gender role expectations and stereotypes. Using various media—an audio interview and a video of a spoken word performance transgender people and issues are personalized and clarified for students. Students then discuss real-life scenarios depicting conflicts around gender expression in school settings, and brainstorm ways to be an ally to transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Were the 1950s truly the “dark ages” for gay Americans as some historians have claimed?
Students will analyze 6 -10 (or more depending on the class) primary and secondary sources. These sources will serve as historical evidence for students as they determine their response to the inquiry question. After students read and annotate each source, they will then collaborate and create a DBQ Poster. The DBQ poster process requires students 1) to sort the sources into 2 or more categories, 2) to consider all historically relevant content and 3) construct a group thesis that directly answers the inquiry question.
When Did it Happen? An LGBT History Lesson
This activity is designed as a fun and interactive way to raise students’ awareness of LGBT people and the contributions they made in the history of the United States. Students will learn about key events in the LGBT civil rights movement. Students will have an opportunity to create signs regarding these events to spread awareness throughout the school.