Over on our blog we have published our response to the non statutory draft guidance for schools and colleges in England and Wales regarding gender-questioning children and young people. This draft guidance was released on 19 December 2023 with a consultation open until 12 March 2024. We sent our own response as an organisation to that consultation back in March and are sharing our response publicly now to record our opposition to it in its entirety. Through our work and lived experience we know the impact on trans and gender expansive people when their right to exist is called into question. Every child and young person should be safe and respected in school or college and their best interests met in an environment that celebrates learning, inclusivity and diversity. The UK government’s draft guidance for schools in England does not respect or serve the interests of trans and gender-expansive children and young people and is at odds with existing children’s rights and equalities legislation in the UK, including both the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. The lives of trans and gender-expansive children and young should never be up for debate. We join with many other LGBT+ organisations, youth organisations and schools in urging the government to reconsider the position taken in this guidance and instead to view this as a vital opportunity to implement clear guidance that creates genuine inclusivity and safety for all children and young people, including by listening to children and young people themselves. Head to our website to read our full statement, with links to relevant evidence and research. https://lnkd.in/eNjxA_GV
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In April 2024, the Biden Administration released guidance on the application and administration of Title IX, using existing federal law to extend Title IX protections to members of the LGBTQ+ community and to strengthen and expand protections for pregnant and parenting students and survivors of campus sexual assault. As part of the pushback to this new guidance, a number of state governors and conservative advocacy organizations have attempted to block the new Title IX rules from going into effect in August 2024. At the federal level this pushback came in the form of House Joint Resolution 165 (H.J.Res.165), which seeks to stop the changes to Title IX mentioned above, including LGBTQ+ protections from going into effect in August 2024. H.J.Res.165, which had 72 co-signers, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 11th, 2024. However, it has not passed in the U.S. Senate. H.J.Res.165 has to also pass in the U.S. Senate for it to successfully block the Title IX changes. This means that now is the time for you to reach out to your U.S. Senator to make sure that they OPPOSE H.J.Res.165 if and when it moves to the U.S. Senate. To see how you can take immediate action, check out our last Let's Talk post that details what you can do to protect and further Title IX legislation or check out the AAUW's Two-Minute Activist tool, which can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gkHqBCAf. Link to the bill and to co-signers can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gSAZPsEW. And as always, you can check out our website for other tips, tools, and resources, found here: https://lnkd.in/gjPVmier. #InclusiveCultureStrategist #InclusiveCultureStrategy
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Quality education is the foundation for improving people’s lives and achieving sustainable development. Despite progress, millions of children worldwide still lack access to education, particularly in developing regions. Key Strategies to Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education 1. Access to Education: Ensuring that all children have access to free, quality primary and secondary education is essential. 2. Inclusive Education: Education systems must accommodate all learners, including those with disabilities, indigenous people, and children from marginalised communities. 3. Gender Equality in Education: Promoting gender equality in education ensures that girls have the same opportunities as boys. This includes addressing barriers such as child marriage and gender-based violence. 4. Quality of Education: Improving the quality of education by training teachers, developing relevant curricula, and providing adequate learning materials enhances student outcomes. 5. Early Childhood Education: Investing in early childhood education lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Access to preschool education can significantly improve school readiness and long-term educational outcomes. #SDG4 #QualityEducation #EducationForAll #SDG4 #InclusiveEducation #EqualOpportunities
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Resources: Supporting SOGIE diverse or 2SLGBTQIA+ students This Friday September 20th, there will be protests in municipalities across Canada under the banner “Million March for Children.” Like last year, the protest organizers are promoting the day as a march for “Parents Rights” and “protecting children.” While this sounds positive, it masks the fact that the demands they are making run counter to Charter equality rights. The Anti-Trans/”Parents’ Rights” movement also relies heavily on disinformation designed to elicit shock and disgust. Additionally, organizers are particularly targeting newcomer and diaspora communities. To support LGBTQ+ youth, you can: 1. Educate yourself (and your students) on the legal facts: Handbook for Schools by “Lawyers Against Transphobia” https://lnkd.in/gSMb6kti A CBC interview with BC Lawyer barbara findlay https://lnkd.in/gZB_iS8p 2. Counter disinformation. Understand the reality of what IS and is not happening in schools. Available research suggests that schools that have SOGIE inclusion policies AND groups (like GSAs) are safer for ALL students, not just 2SLGBTQIA+ students. SOGI 123 resources: https://lnkd.in/gzX_r7AN Surrey School Superintendent Mark Pearman’s statement available in Punjabi, Mandarin and Arabic https://lnkd.in/gG3wzMQZ 3. VISIBLY show your support for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion on September 20th (and every day!) Go to a counter-protest rally - https://lnkd.in/gyaRGGtM In Vancouver, starting at 8 am at the Vancouver Art Gallery Use social media https://lnkd.in/g_6FxN4U Place No Space for Hate stickers in your classroom or workspace - https://lnkd.in/g_6FxN4U 4. Voice your support to people in your community. 2SLGBTQIA+ students, teachers, and principals, parents of Trans and Gender Diverse kids as well as the allies who are speaking up against these protests need to know they have broad community support before, during and after the protests. The rhetoric and climate may further deteriorate in the lead up to the elections.
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What does Project 2025 say about education? Keep the funding federal, but let the states decide what constitutes 'education'. The Education Chapter is 44 pages long. True, it would take an act of Congress to abolish the Dept of Education, but Project 2025 would downsize the dept, so that all that is left is a dept that can only gather statistics to disseminate. Although Trump disavows knowledge of Project 2025, he has been saying at recent rallies that Dept of Ed should be disbanded to “move everything back to the states where it belongs.” In other words, Project 2025 would put states in charge of programs that are currently funded and managed by the federal government and make it no-strings Federal money that could be spent on “any lawful education purpose under state law.” [It is not clear how this would improve American's poor world standing re: education.] Project 2025 also calls for an end to programs related to diversity of LGBTQ+ youth and the elimination of Head Start, a program that funds early childhood education for low-income families.
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The think-tank-written Project 2025 manifesto attacks protections and services for diverse communities in higher education in America, especially targeting LGBTQ students. The framework calls for the dismantling of the Department of Education, an end to loan forgiveness, and eliminating Title IX protections for LGBTQ students and sexual assault survivors. Project 2025 would further dismantle diversity and inclusion in education programming beyond what we are already seeing in colleges nationwide, making places of higher learning even more hostile learning environments for diverse students than they already are. https://lnkd.in/gxHC9rMC
How Project 2025 could radically reshape higher ed
insidehighered.com
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A Historic Step for Inclusivity in Bexley Schools In a landmark decision, Bexley Council has unified across party lines to champion LGBT+ inclusive education. This pivotal motion promises a future where every child in Bexley's state schools will learn in an environment that respects and celebrates diverse relationships. It's a response to the stark reality revealed by Just Like Us, which showed nearly half of the UK's LGBT+ students felt unsafe in school just 3 years prior. Coupled with a staggering rise in transphobic hate crimes, the call to action couldn't be more urgent. This isn't political—it's about protecting our youth and fostering communities where difference is not just accepted but welcomed. Schools praised by Ofsted for their teachings on consent are now setting a benchmark for inclusivity that aligns with the very fabric of our society. As Bexley embarks on this journey of support and education, we witness not division but unity in action. It's a message to every young person: You are seen, you are valued, and you belong. #Inclusivity #Education #LGBTQSupport
LGBT+ education to be given at every state school in London borough as motion is passed
uk.news.yahoo.com
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Education must liberate, not oppress. As Paulo Freire said, 'Education must begin with the solution of the teacher-student contradiction, by reconciling the poles of the contradiction so that both are simultaneously teachers and students.' But what happens when so many LGBTQIAP+ students in Brazil feel excluded, unsafe, and unsupported? When nearly 80% report harassment and an astonishing 85% of trans students feel pushed out of the system, we know there’s a deep contradiction between the promise of education and the reality they face. Inclusive education is more than just policy—it's the radical idea that every student, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, has an equal right to thrive and be celebrated. Imagine classrooms where every student can see themselves in the curriculum, where teachers are trained to support and uplift each young person, and where the dignity of every student is a priority, not an afterthought. Let’s carry forward Freire’s vision by creating an education system that empowers, liberates, and includes everyone. Our voices, actions, and commitment to an inclusive education can reshape the future for LGBTQIAP+ youth. Join this movement to demand real change, share your stories, and advocate for an education system that honours all students. 🌈 #InclusiveEducation #LGBTQYouth #HumanRights #TransformEducation
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🌟 🌟 The Future of Education Under Project 2025: Key Insights 🌟 🌟 Project 2025 and has ambitious plans for the future of education. Here are three crucial takeaways from their Mandate for Leadership: 1️⃣ Vouchers Everywhere: Project 2025 emphasizes school choice by converting federal education funds into vouchers. This means more families will receive direct funding to choose educational options, reducing centralized control. 2️⃣ Erasing Terms: The initiative aims to "delete" key terms like "diversity, equity, and inclusion" from federal use. This could significantly impact policies around inclusive education and undermine efforts for a more equitable system. 3️⃣ Parental Authority: A strong focus on parental rights includes enforcing parental authority in educational settings, which could lead to controversial policies like outing LGBTQ students without their consent. These proposals underscore a profound shift in how education could be managed, potentially disrupting the current public school system. Now is the time to stay informed and engaged. Let's work together to ensure every student's voice is heard and valued. 💪🏽📚 🌟 Explore how diversity training and coaching services can support your journey in this changing landscape. 🌟 #EducationReform #InclusiveEducation #ParentalRights https://lnkd.in/eGv3mEbi
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The General Election has again shown the strength of our shared values: compassion, inclusivity, and a refusal to give in to the politics of hate and division. Despite global trends, far-right and extremist candidates have been resoundingly rejected at the ballot box. This is a moment to celebrate the integrity and humanity of Irish voters who have seen through fear-mongering and hate and embraced a vision of Ireland as open, inclusive, and welcoming. This is a victory for democracy and decency. As we move forward, the next government has a responsibility to ensure that Ireland tackles the difficult challenges facing our society's most vulnerable and marginalised. That is the Ireland that the electorate voted for on Friday. In our joint manifesto, we’ve outlined the critical areas where change is urgently needed for LGBTQ+ people: 🏳️⚧️ Trans Healthcare: The crisis must end. Trans adults and youth need compassionate, accessible care, and mental health services must be prioritised. 🏳️🌈 Tackling Hate Speech: Fit-for-purpose legislation is long overdue. We need robust protections to ensure every LGBTQ+ person feels safe. 📚 Inclusive Education: Our schools must reflect LGBTQ+ identities, equip teachers with the tools to combat discrimination, and be safe spaces for all students. 🌍 Nationwide Support: LGBTQ+ people deserve access to community services no matter where they live—because inclusion shouldn't depend on geography. This election has renewed my hope in the Ireland we are building together—a place where diversity is celebrated, and no one is left behind. My focus in the hours, days, and weeks ahead will be on ensuring that these priorities remain front and centre for the new government! We will keep pushing forward to create an Ireland where all LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen, and celebrated. 🌟 #VoteWithPride #IrishGeneralElection #LGBTQI #Inclusion #CompassionOverDivision #GE24 #GeneralElction #LGBTQCommunity
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The Federal Government’s commitment to fund a substantial wage increase for early childhood educators is a step towards recognising the crucial role they play in the development of Australia’s children in the vital early years. The pay increase - to be finalised in the next few months - is a step towards increasing the number of early childhood workers who choose a career caring for, nurturing and educating Australian children during the first five years of life, which are crucial for a child’s intellectual, social-emotional and physical development. The wage increase is also a step toward gender pay equality with women accounting for 90 per cent of early childhood educators. It will also allow more women to return to work when they choose to after the birth of their children. Minderoo Foundation is committed to ensuring that early childhood education workers are recognised and valued for their nation-building role in shaping the lives of Australian children. After all, what more important work is there than making sure children have the best possible start in life?
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