One of the simplest measures of a school's commitment to respect is the quality of interaction in its hallways. Unchecked use of putdowns and epithets, physical intimidation or visual messages of hate creates a toxic environment for learning and growth.

The First Amendment may protect students' right to say, write or display offensive words and symbols, but courts have ruled that schools can punish behavior, including speech, that is disruptive to the educational process. Perhaps the best approach in balancing First Amendment rights with other concerns — and in avoiding win-lose confrontations — is to stress the importance of a safe atmosphere in which every student is treated with respect. Send a strong message that hateful words and images are "uncool" at your school:

• Create deterrents to disrespectful language. Set clear prohibitions against the use of racial epithets, ethnic slurs and pejorative terms relating to ability, appearance, country of origin, home language, religion, sexual orientation or social class. Establish consequences for repeated use and enforce them throughout the school. If these prohibitions are not already stated clearly in the school handbook, add them as soon as possible.

• Denounce hate speech immediately. Respond every time you hear a slur or any example of bias speech, whether the speaker used it in a joking or serious manner, so that everyone knows that disrespectful speech is always unacceptable. For example, if you hear a student use a hateful epithet such as "bitch," "faggot" or "nigger," or other slurs such as "four eyes," "spastic" or "taco," you might say, "That word hurts people, so you may not use it in this classroom" or "Disrespectful words are never acceptable at this school." (see also Be Alert to Signs of Student Alienation)

• Discuss the meaning of pejorative terms. If a student uses hate speech in the classroom, decide whether the whole class will respond seriously to a discussion of the word's offensiveness at that time. If not, speak individually outside of class to the offender and any targeted students and plan a better time for class discussion. In either case, avoid railing at the offender, as that is more likely to alienate than to educate. If you feel too uncomfortable to address the issue, invite the school's "safe contact person" (see also Establish School Policies that Promote Equity and Respect) or a counselor to talk to your class.