Raising Sons for Equity: Challenging Patriarchy and Misogyny Before They Take Root
How we raise boys today helps shape the relationships, families, workplaces and communities of tomorrow. This year’s Social Justice and Diversity Symposium examines the importance of raising sons who understand gender equity, respect the dignity of women and girls, value empathy, and recognize that healthy masculinity is grounded in responsibility, compassion and mutual respect—not dominance, control or entitlement.
- When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 to 7:30 p.m. MST
- Where: Online via Zoom: join the symposium on Zoom
- Who should attend: Parents, educators, community leaders, students and anyone who helps shape the next generation
About the symposium
From an early age, boys encounter messages about what it means to be a man, how they should express emotion, who should hold power and how they should treat others. These messages come from family expectations, peer relationships, social media, popular culture, schools and broader social norms. When they normalize male superiority, emotional suppression, aggression or the objectification of women, they can undermine equality and healthy relationships.
Through critical dialogue and reflection, participants will explore how patriarchal assumptions and misogynistic attitudes develop and how to challenge them early, with practical ways to teach boys empathy, emotional intelligence, accountability, consent, respect for boundaries and the value of equitable relationships.
This conversation is not about blaming boys or portraying masculinity as inherently harmful. It’s about the responsibility and opportunity adults have to help boys grow into confident, emotionally healthy men who respect others as equals. Mothers, fathers, teachers, mentors, coaches and communities all have a role to play.
Raising sons for equity is an investment in a more just and inclusive society, one where women and girls are valued, boys are free to develop healthy identities, and people of all genders can participate with dignity, safety and equal opportunity.
Moderator
Alexandra Neves, PhD
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of TESOL/Bilingual Education, WNMU
Panelists
- Javier Marrufo, MA
Chicano Historian 
Andy Hernandez, PhD
Professor of History
Patti West, PhD
Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs- J.J. Amaworo Wilson, MA
Writer-in-Residence