Bath & North East Somerset Council is to become a Stonewall Education Champion to help to ensure that no young person is bullied because they are, or are thought to be, gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Stonewall’s Education Champions programme includes needs assessment; access to best practice from other local authorities across Britain; resources packs for local schools, training events and local meetings all designed to help tackle homophobia as part of the Council’s anti-bullying strategy.
Homophobic bullying is widespread in Britain’s schools, affecting not only lesbian, gay and bisexual young people; but also young people perceived as ‘different’ or who have gay friends and family. Stonewall’s 2007 research “The School Report” demonstrated that almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils in secondary schools across Britain had experienced homophobic bullying.
The Equality Act 2010 requires public bodies (including local authorities, schools and academies) to take steps to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. Schools are expected to be actively tackling issues related to sexual orientation such as homophobic bullying and protecting those who may be subjected to it. Being part of Stonewall’s Education Champions programme will help Bath & North East Somerset Council to comply with the Act.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Ever since I joined the Cabinet last year, I’ve sought to champion the rights of a diverse section of groups within the community – whatever their background, ideas, gender, religious beliefs or sexuality.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is pleased to be working closely with Stonewall. We believe children and young people should be able to enjoy their childhood and are prepared for adult life, and thus signing up to the Education Champions programme will enable more people to feel they have something to contribute.
“It’s often at a young age that people will start to explore their sexual orientation, and so it’s important that we work with organisations like Stonewall to raise awareness of gay and equal rights, and tackle homophobic bullying.“
Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Stonewall research shows homophobic bullying is endemic in Britain’s schools. Local authorities play an important role in taking the lead to make sure their schools have access to the latest resources to help them tackle it, and that they use those resources effectively. By joining Stonewall’s Education Champions programme Bath & North East Somerset Council will play a vital role in making their schools a safe environment for all children.“
