As a teacher, you know that even small, repeated acts can be significant because they could be part of a pervasive and cumulative pattern of social inequality. Respect the dignity of all students. Although the effort to do this may involve some initial discomfort, it may also result in more precise communication and understanding. Try to monitor your behavior or get someone else to monitor you behavior toward men and women in the classroom. Much discriminatory behavior is not deliberate.
Most teaching assistants wish to treat all students justly and fairly.
You can effect change by carefully examining your own feelings and preconceptions about the roles of women and men in society and then by becoming alert to overt and subtle differences in your interactions with men and women in the classroom. The University of California is firmly committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment which is free from all forms of harassment and intimidation. Students come here to learn, not to be coerced and mistreated. As an employee of the university, you must insure that every student has equal access to a quality education. Some departments have explicit policies which prohibit dating between teaching assistants and their students.