Over half of LGBTI teachers (52%) experience discrimination
and abuse from pupils and parents, new member polling
by NASUWT - The Teachers Union reveals.
Despite 20 years passing since the repeal of Section 28, a
shocking 1 in 4 LGBTI (26%) teachers report that abuse
has got worse in the last 3 years, not better.
The survey has also shone a light on the need for employers to
take greater initiative in addressing biphobia, homophobia and
transphobia in schools:
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14% of LGBTI members say their school provides training on
LGBTI equalities to senior management, falling to just 7% for
school governing bodies
-
Only 33 % of LGBTI members reported that their school has
a zero-tolerance approach to biphobia/homophobia/transphobia
Teachers gather virtually today (Saturday 18 February) at the
NASUWT’s LGBTI Teachers Consultation Conference to discuss issues
facing LGBTI teachers and identify solutions to improve working
conditions and LGBTI inclusion.
The conference coincides with LGBT History Month, held annually
in February each year, and will feature workshops, training and
sessions.
Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary said:
“With teacher recruitment and retention reaching crisis levels,
governments and employers need to be doing everything in their
power to make teaching an inclusive and attractive profession.
But instead of being valued and respected, 1 in 2 of LGBTI NASUWT
members report experiencing discrimination and abuse at work.
“This year marks 20 years since the repeal of Section 28,
legislation that was a vile and morally egregious attack on LGBTI
people. And, whilst the law may have changed, it is unacceptable
that LGBTI teachers are still facing prejudice, discrimination,
exclusion and hatred. For too many, the situation is getting
worse not better.
“The Government has allowed a hostile environment to flourish as
a consequence of defunding, deregulation and stripping away of
statutory protections on the enforcement of equal rights, and by
paying lip-service paid to equalities.
“The NASUWT is proud to stand with our LGBTI members on the
forefront of the fight for equal rights and inclusion. We are
calling on the government to join us in standing up for inclusive
workplaces by implementing mandatory training for school and
college leaders, inspection systems that challenge school/college
employers on their record in advancing equality for LGBTI
teachers and students and mandating all schools and colleges to
publish their LGBTI equality action plans.”
