Peer-reviewed article
Teaching about Human Rights: Female Genital Mutilation in America
James Richard Moore ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This article discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) as a human rights issue affecting girls and women in the United States, particularly among immigrant communities. It describes the nature, causes, and consequences of FGM and proposes teaching methods for secondary students to raise awareness about this practice. The article also outlines the legal and professional responsibilities of teachers who may have students at risk of FGM.
Key points
- Increasing immigration to the US has brought cultural practices including FGM, which violates American law and constitutional ideals
- Research indicates increasing numbers of girls and women in the US have undergone or are at risk for FGM
- FGM violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the US signed in 1948
- Teachers can use social studies activities to educate secondary students about FGM as a human rights issue
- Teachers have legal and professional responsibilities regarding students at risk of FGM
Limitations
The document is primarily an educational framework paper rather than an empirical study, so it does not provide data on prevalence rates, outcomes of teaching interventions, or evidence of student behavior change. It does not evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed teaching methods.
Abstract
Teaching about Human Rights: Female Genital Mutilation in America Abstract Increasing immigration from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East has enhanced cultural diversity in the United States. The wide array of foods, languages, customs, and unique historical experiences associated with immigration have contributed to the political, social, and economic fabric of a multicultural democracy. However, immigrants may also bring certain cultural practices which violate American constitutional law and various state laws. Moreover, these practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), are incompatible with American ideals of equality, social justice, and human rights. Recent research indicates that an increasing number of girls and women in the United States have undergone or are at risk for various forms of FGM. This practice is also a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed by the United States in 1948. This article will describe the nature, causes, and consequences of FGM on girls and women and articulate social studies activities and methods that teachers can use to inform secondary students about this human rights issue. This may stimulate student activism, a major goal in social studies. Furthermore, the article will describe the legal and professional responsibilities teachers must take if they have students at risk of FGM in their classes.