Uncategorized Archives - DEI Learning Hub

Saneism in Schools: How Mental Health Stigma Hurts Students and Educators

Liz Medina on May 20, 2025

In classrooms across the country, mental health remains one of the most misunderstood and under-supported aspects of student success. Educators are expected to be everything—mentors, counselors, disciplinarians, and academic guides—while rarely receiving the support they need to manage their own mental health. This double standard is a clear symptom of Saneism.

When students and staff are discouraged from naming or addressing their mental health needs, stigma grows. It leads to absenteeism, behavior issues, educator burnout, and inequitable learning outcomes. And for students of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, and those with disabilities, the impact is even more severe.

Schools that want to truly serve their communities must address Saneism head-on. That means training teachers in trauma-informed practices, creating protocols for early intervention, and building cultures where mental health conversations are normalized and supported. It also means making space for both students and staff to be human—without punishment or shame.

Through the DEILearningHub, we support schools and districts with frameworks that center equity and wellness. Whether it’s reimagining SEL (social-emotional learning), leading anti-bias training, or helping build mental health-inclusive policies, we equip educators to meet students with compassion and courage.

Mental health isn’t a separate issue—it’s foundational to learning. Students cannot perform academically if they are in distress. Similarly, educators cannot teach effectively if they are overwhelmed and unsupported. Prioritizing mental wellness improves educational outcomes for everyone.

We must also address the systemic roots of Saneism in education, including punitive discipline policies, lack of mental health professionals in schools, and insufficient funding for student services. Change starts with awareness, but is sustained through intentional action.

Want to build a school culture where every student and educator can thrive? Contact us to learn how DEILearningHub can support your mental health equity transformation.

March – Sexism

US² Consulting on March 1, 2023

Sexism is the discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of perceived, or actual, binary gender (male/female) and societal stereotypes surrounding the binary gender system.  The beliefs around the fundamental nature of men and women and the roles they ‘should’ perform in society are linked to sexism.  Gender stereotypes, which are the result of sexist assumptions about women and men, can place one gender above the other. 

Want Gender Equality? Let’s Get Creative | Kyl Myers | TEDxSaltLakeCity

Kyl Myers, a sociologist who specializes in gender and sexual & reproductive health, talks about how gender inequality starts in utero and how children are taught the social and cultural norms that are ‘expected’ of them within our society based on their anatomy – from birth! Kyl shares the idea that if we want adulthood gender equality, we have to change the way we treat children. Three points are highlighted in this talk. First, there are real and harmful gender disparities experienced by adults; second, these disparities are rooted in childhood; and third, we have the power to do something about it.

“What if, instead of treating boys and girls dramatically different, we tried to instill in them well-rounded, positive traits like kindness, a sense of adventure, compassion, critical thinking, and comedic timing. Most of us want a world without gender inequality, but it’s going to take us all being honest with ourselves about how we reinforce it. If equality is what we want, we have to create it.”

-Kyl Myers

Let us ask you this:

What are your typical initial/first thoughts when you encounter someone of a different gender? Do these first thoughts align with what you believe to be true about all people?
What is your current experience with sexism? Have you, or someone you know, ever had a lived experience with sexism? If yes, what impact did it have on you?
Reflecting on the TEDx Talk, how does the message impact you? Your environment/organization?

This month, we want to address the pervasive issue of sexism and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. It is important to recognize that gender does not define a person’s capabilities or attitudes, and it cannot be a determining factor in the opportunities that are offered to them. We need to stand up against sexism and take action to eliminate it from our communities, workplaces, and institutions.

Only by working together can we create a society that values and respects all people, regardless of their gender or any other aspect of their identity.

Are you concerned about “saying the wrong thing” with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional and/or personal settings? Are you struggling to navigate challenging situations that require sensitivity and awareness?