Gender, Bullying, and Harassment

Strategies to End Sexism and Homophobia in Schools

While there have been countless studies of bullying and harassment in schools, none have examined the key gender issues related to these behaviors. In her new book, Meyer does just that and offers readers tangible and flexible suggestions to help them positively transform the culture of their school and reduce the incidences of gendered harassment.  The text features sections that speak specifically to administrators, teachers, counselors, student leaders, and community and family members. 

Integrating research, theory, and practical ideas connected to issues of sex, gender, sexual orientation, bullying, and harassment, this timely book:

• Defines important terms, such as bullying, (hetero)sexual harassment, sexual-orientation harassment, and harassment because of gender nonconformity.


• Provides an easy-to-read overview of the legal issues involved in addressing gender and harassment in schooling.


• Offers an annotated list of educational resources on homophobia, sexual harassment, and bullying, as well as a detailed checklist of steps to aid educators reduce gendered harassment in their schools.

Elizabeth J. Meyer is an instructor at McGill University and a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec. 

“In this smart, brave book, Elizabeth Meyer speaks clearly and sensibly about differences that make a difference in children’s school lives.”

—From the Foreword by Lyn Mikel Brown, Professor of Education, Colby College; author of Girlfighting

"Bullying and harassment remain serious impediments to learning for far too many students. In this thoughtful book, Dr. Meyer helps  readers understand why this troubling behavior occurs and persists,  and offers clear and easy-to-implement action steps for both individuals and institutions that are truly committed to creating  environments where everyone can learn."

—Kevin Jennings, Founder, The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

“In an accessible yet theoretically sound manner, Meyer creates a discourse that defines, identifies, and mentors us in tackling the insidious effects of bullying and harassment.”

—Shirley R. Steinberg, Academic Director, The Paulo and Nita Freire International Project for Critical Pedagogy



”Meyer's work moves the bullying discussion far beyond worry, fear, and ignorance—she demands that we contextually understand both the cause and effects involved in this societal ill, then instructs us in efforts to end it.”

—Joe L. Kincheloe, Canada Research Chair, McGill University

"Elizabeth Meyer's important new work reflects an incisive understanding of adolescent peer dynamics. She deepens our understanding of the ways harassment limits the potential of every student. Meyer's powerful argument—that anti-gay harassment polices help all of us—is original and undeniable."

—Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls.