SEATTLE, WA — The national nonprofit Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS) has launched #MisogynyFreeSchools, a groundbreaking campaign aimed at confronting the alarming rise in misogyny, hostile sexism, and gender bias impacting youth both on and off campus.
From preschool to college, sexist behavior is fueled by toxic online content, harmful influencers, and cultural normalization of harassment. “Children don’t randomly develop bias—they’re drafted into it by an algorithmic ecosystem that’s become increasingly toxic. By age 9, the average child has been bombarded with over 15,000 instances of gendered stereotyping online,” notes Occidental College Professor Caroline Heldman.
#MisogynyFreeSchools addresses the far-reaching impact of hostile sexism—which also drives domestic and intimate partner violence, rape threats, stalking, and sexual assault— and is one of the primary predictors and underpinners of support for political and mass violence, says Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss in a recent PBS news report. “Because students are now subjected to yet higher levels of sexual harassment, assault, gender bias and hostile sexism, unchecked by narrowed Title IX protections, it’s imperative that all stakeholders have effective strategies to address the metastasizing harm and impact on the next generation,” explains SSAIS Cofounder Esther Warkov.
#MisogynyFreeSchools follows on the heels of the American Federation of Teachers virtual conference session “Addressing the Rise and Impact of Misogyny Among Students in Grades 6-12,” presented by SSAIS. “The international response to our session alongside the global popularity of the Netflix series Adolescence underscores the urgent need for a movement to address the continuum of harms that begins with hostile sexism and leads to radical extremism,” says Warkov. #MisogynyFreeSchools tackles this growing crisis with free, evidenced-based tools for students, educators, and caregivers created by PERIL (American University), the Southern Poverty Law Center, and SSAIS.
Key goals of #MisogynyFreeSchools include:
- Disrupting systems that promote gender bias and hostile sexism in schools
- Providing guides for adults and youth to recognize and address harmful behaviors
- Promoting digital literacy to reduce exposure to harmful ideologies
- Strengthening accountability and inclusivity in schools and communities
- Empowering students with peer-led programs like SASH Clubs (Students Against Sexual Harassment) and GSAs (gender and sexuality alliances)
The campaign has actionable steps for everyone: sharing new resources on the #MisogynyFreeSchools webpages, advocating for inclusive education, launching student clubs, and spreading the movement using downloadable media. #MisogynyFreeSchools offers allies worldwide an opportunity to build community, share their resources on the campaign webpages, and advance the cause of gender equity.
To learn more, download free resources, and join the campaign, visit the #MisogynyFreeSchools webpage.
“We stand in full support of SSAIS’s efforts to challenge the culture of hostile sexism in schools. When girls, LGBTQ+ students, and any child who doesn’t conform to rigid gender expectations are silenced or shamed, we all lose. By creating inclusive, equitable learning environments, we give every student the opportunity to thrive. It’s time to graduate from sexism—and that starts with accountability, education, and cultural change. We’re proud to join SSAIS in this powerful movement.” —Kenyora Johnson, MSW, Chief Executive Officer, End Rape On Campus (EROC)
Contact: info@stopsexualassaultinschools.org