SHineSA CEO Jill Davidson backs Education Department policy to recognise gender diverse students
SAFE Schools Coalition South Australia welcomes the Department of Education and Child Development policy ‘Supporting same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students’.
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SAFE Schools Coalition South Australia welcomes the Department of Education and Child Development policy ‘Supporting same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students’.
The policy is well supported by research and existing legislation that protects same-sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse people from discrimination.
Same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people suffer high levels of verbal and physical homophobic and transphobic abuse, with the most commonplace of abuse (80 per cent) being at school.
This has a significant impact on wellbeing, school attendance and educational outcomes.
A key purpose of the policy is to ensure all children and young people receive a quality education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment regardless of intersex status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Research shows that when young people feel school is a supportive environment, they are less likely to harm themselves or attempt suicide.
These policies provide a comprehensive resource which is accessible and clearly outlines a school’s responsibilities for providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all children and young people, as per legislative requirements of the Equal opportunity Act 1984 (SA) and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Commonwealth).
Schools have been looking for support in this area and it is great to have formal policies that provide them with direction and guidance to carry on with this work.
Safe Schools Coalition South Australia (delivered by SHineSA) provide support to the member schools and welcome the policies as they continue this work.
Safe Schools Coalition South Australia takes a whole school approach to support all staff to understand their role in creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and provides resources and support to meet the unique needs of each school community.
Jill Davidson is CEO of SHineSA — Sexual Health information networking & education Inc, which delivers the Safe Schools program in schools.