#MisogynyFreeSchools: A New Movement for Respect and Safety

Enter #MisogynyFreeSchools—a groundbreaking campaign launched by the national nonprofit Stop Sexual Assault in Schools. It aims to disrupt this cycle by equipping schools, educators, students and families with the tools and strategies needed to challenge and change the status quo.

Why Is this Happening? 

From the earliest grades, children are exposed to sexist language and attitudes—sometimes mimicking what they hear at home or online, sometimes internalizing damaging stereotypes that shape their sense of self and others. Although some downplay the extent of this behavior, educators’ experiences tell a different story. Among participants surveyed in the 2025 AFT Share My Lesson Virtual Conference session “Addressing the Rise and Impact of Misogyny Among Students in Grades 6-12,” 96 percent reported either seeing or hearing examples of misogyny in their classrooms or schools. 

How Did We Get Here?

Social media algorithms are feeding young boys content from influencers such as Andrew Tate, who promote harmful ideologies to impressionable audiences.  Online communities in the "manosphere"—a collection of websites, blogs and forums promoting deeply misogynistic and anti-feminist views—create echo chambers that amplify and reinforce these attitudes. And early exposure to pornography contributes to warped views of gender roles and consent, while backlash against gender equality is fueling resentment among some boys, who believe that efforts to empower girls somehow come at their expense.

Who Gets Hurt?

The consequences are far-reaching: Girls disengage from class participation, boys adopt emotional repression and aggression, LGBTQIA+ students are targeted, and teachers struggle to create respectful classrooms. This isn’t just about behavior—it’s about the emotional and psychological safety that’s essential for learning.

Girls may limit their classroom participation, avoid enrolling in certain courses, or feel discouraged to pursue their career choices. The stress of navigating hostile environments can lead to self-censorship, reduced ambitions and internalized beliefs that ultimately harm their future relationships and opportunities.

Boys are pressured to conform to rigid and limiting male roles that restrict emotional growth and foster aggression. They hear that dominance toward women proves masculinity, while seeking help or showing feelings demonstrates weakness. Dr. Pasha Dashtgard, a social psychologist and expert on online radicalization, points out that impressionable boys often find a sense of belonging and identity in these online spaces—until they are pulled deeper into harmful ideologies that reinforce grievance, resentment and control.

Because misogyny polices strict gender roles, trans and nonbinary students face hostility simply for existing. LGBTQIA+ students experience intensified harassment, erasure and insecurity for not conforming to gender norms that intersect with homophobia and transphobia. The damage extends beyond individual students to create school cultures that limit learning and growth. 

How #MisogynyFreeSchools Helps Educators and Students

A comprehensive approach is needed—from individual classroom interventions to schoolwide policy changes to community engagement. #MisogynyFreeSchools offers practical guidance and materials for teachers, students and families to recognize, call out, and change harmful behaviors and attitudes.

1. Recognizing and responding to misogyny and gender bias in the classroom

Vanderbilt University prevention specialist Dr. Otis McGresham recommends applying the “Three Rs” framework—recognize, respond and reframe—to help teachers and staff:

• Identify problematic language and behaviors early;
• Understand the media and cultural forces influencing students;
• Respond in ways that uphold school values and protect learning environments; and

Reframe conversations to offer alternative narratives rooted in empathy, equity and critical thinking.

2. Supporting peer education through SASH Clubs (Students Against Sexual Harassment)

SASH Clubs are student-led groups that offer a safe space to discuss misogyny, sexual harassment, online influences and other topics. Through club activities, students learn to lead change in their schools, becoming allies, advocates and critical thinkers.

3. Addressing root causes through media literacy

By incorporating media literacy, sex education, and social and emotional learning into their classrooms, educators can help students:

• Deconstruct how algorithms push harmful content;
• Recognize manipulation tactics used by influencers;
• Reflect on how gender norms are reinforced and normalized; and
• Build empathy, communication and resilience.

4. Sustaining a whole school approach

Administrators and staff can create needed support systems by reviewing and strengthening school policies, aligning disciplinary practices with educational values, and supporting staff facing harassment. A thoughtful whole-school approach fosters a climate of respect, safety and inclusion—not just compliance.

5. Building legal and community-based support

The campaign aligns with existing protections under Title IX and state laws, reinforcing students’ legal right to an education free from sex-based discrimination. It also encourages schools to build community partnerships—with PTAs, school boards and local advocacy groups—to bolster support and expand impact, especially in politically uncertain times when legal protections may vary.

A Call to Action

#MisogynyFreeSchools is not about silencing students. It’s about elevating them—to be thoughtful, empathetic and unconfined by rigid gender roles.

Want to join the movement? Here’s how:

• Download the SASH Club Power Topic on misogyny and male supremacy from the SASH Club website.
• Watch the AFT webinar on addressing misogyny in grades 6-12, available on YouTube or through Share My Lesson.
• Start a SASH Clubat your school, and watch the Share My Lesson webinar SASH Club: A Peer-Education Approach to Addressing Sexual Harassment and Assault in Schools.
• Introduce media literacy and inclusive education into your curriculum.
• Use the “Not Just a Joke” guide to address harmful speech and behavior in your community.
• Start conversations with your administration about how to proactively support teachers and students facing misogyny.
• Spread the word by sharing campaign videos and graphics.
• Use these two resources with students: 

Students should feel safe to participate fully in their education. It's an achievable goal, one that requires sustained commitment from educators, students, families and communities working together. #MisogynyFreeSchools offers a road map, tools and support to make this vision a reality. Students deserve learning environments that prepare them not just academically, but also socially and emotionally for lives characterized by respect, equality, and compassion.