Homophobia and sexual orientation in schools
Schools need to promote equality of opportunity for all students and staff regardless of their sexual orientation, and include this in their policies on equal opportunities, behaviour and the curriculum.
Stand up for us
Stand up for us is a Wired for Health initiative
aiming to help schools tackle homophobic bullying, in the context of developing
an inclusive, safer and more successful school environment for
all. Schools are ideally placed to challenge homophobia, because they make
a significant contribution to the development of values and attitudes in young
children that are likely to be resistant to change in later life.
You will find a range of resources on the Stand up for us area of the Wired for Health website, including a downloadable resource pack outlining key issues and practical approaches. The resources are intended for anyone who works in early years settings, primary, secondary and special schools, off-site units and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).
School workforce
Regulations, in force since December 2003, make it unlawful to
discriminate directly or indirectly, or harass or victimise anyone because of
their actual or perceived sexual orientation. The regulations apply to all
facets of employment including recruitment, terms and conditions, promotions,
transfers, training and dismissals.
Note that Section 28 was repealed in July 2003. Section 28 is the common name for Section 2a of the Local Government Act 1986. This section prohibited local authorities in England and Wales from 'promoting' homosexuality. It also labelled gay family relationships as 'pretend'. Schools must conform to the repeal and may not discriminate against homosexual teachers and pupils. Read more about the repeal of Section 28.
You can download a factsheet containing information on what should be included in a school policy for Sex and Relationship Education (SRE). The factsheet aims to clarify schools' responsibilities for addressing sex and sexuality within SRE following the repeal of Section 28.
Behaviour policy
The DfES's anti-bullying Charter for Action refers to homophobic
bullying. The advice on whole-school behaviour and attendance policy refers to
recording instances of homophobic bullying. The Connexions Service recently
published advice on engaging young lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
Curriculum
Training for 3,000 PSHE teachers in 2004 will cover sex and
relationship education and addresses issues of sexuality and sexual
orientation. Materials for teachers will be available soon from the Healthy
Schools Programme.
Further information
You may read a case study about tackling homophobia in a secondary school or an article about tackling homophobia. Follow the links below for more
sources of advice and online resources.
