Scotland has taken great strides to assist in the inclusivity of its LGBTQ youth by being the first country in the world to require that state schools teach lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights to absolutely all pupils of a certain age.
The education secretary of the Scottish government John Swinney has stated that in taking this bold progressive action it will increase understanding and acceptance within schools and among wider society. The curriculum will involve helping others understand LGBTQ terms, the negativity and harm caused by homophobia and other prejudices, and the history of equality movements. Swinney said:
"Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential. That is why it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.”
These moves were in large part a response by the TIE campaign – ‘Time for Inclusive Education’, who have been demanding this action be taken for a number of years and called the Scottish government’s actions a "historic moment for our country", indeed the Scottish government has adopted every single suggestion made by the TIE campaign in terms of curriculum – including improved training for teachers on LGBTQ issues, and anti-bullying initiatives designed to protect minority students. Jordan Daly of TIE said:
"The implementation of LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools is a world first, and in a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland … Education is one of the most vital tools we have to tackle bullying, prejudice and discrimination — and it shapes the fabric of our society. We now look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government as we progress towards full implementation.”
We did it! @JohnSwinney has announced that @scotgov has fully accepted the recommendations of the LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group.
— TIE (@tiecampaign) November 8, 2018
This is a monumental victory. LGBTI-inclusive education will now become a reality in all of Scotland’s state schools #EducatetoLiberate pic.twitter.com/sLgYikCANw
Bullying of course doesn’t just affect one self-esteem. Research by the University of California Los Angeles has shown that LGBTQ youth do less well at school, are often less likely to make it to college and suffer far more frequently from mental health problems. Legislation such as this is hoped to overcome some of these problems.
As a country, Scotland has progressed significantly over the last few decades in terms of its relationship with the LGBTQ community. Homosexuality was only legalised in 1983 and between 1988 and 2000 the Section 28 law forbade the teaching in schools of gay rights or the teaching of being gay as acceptable. In the run up to the clause being repealed in 2000 as many as 1 million people, 20% of the population, signed a petition to ‘keep the clause’. Indeed, even today research carried out by the TIE campaign showed that 90% of LGBTQ youth in Scotland receive some form of bullying or abuse while at school on the basis of their identity. That said, Scotland is now regarded as one of the most progressive countries in Europe in regard to social issues.
We only hope this legislation goes some way to improving the lives and education of all pupils. So well done Scotland! We hope other countries follow suit soon.
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