National coalition seeks safe schools for all

A new program aiming to ensure that every student and teacher has access to a safe and inclusive learning environment is to be rolled out across Australia.

Safe Schools Coalition Australia is the first national coalition of schools bringing together school staff, students and families to create safer and more inclusive learning environments for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse young people. It employs a whole-of-school approach to deliver trusted and engaging training and support for staff and students.

Successfully trialled in Victoria, where it was funded by the state government, the national roll out is being driven by the Foundation for Young Australians and is funded by the federal government.

Speaking at the national launch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Education Minister, Senator Scott Ryan, said every student had the right to feel safe at school.

“While a safe and supportive school environ-ment leads to many positive impacts for students, this is not the only reason we strive for this – it is simply the right thing to do."

Joining the coalition is free and must be approved by the school’s principal. By signing up, schools commit to building a school that is free from homophobic and transphobic bullying, and is safe and inclusive for the whole school community. In exchange, the coalition will provide professional development for staff, resources and advice and support for schools to help build connective and supportive spaces for students now and in the future, including:

• professional development tailored to school and staff needs, experience and expertise 
• consultation, guidance and support around specific issues and concerns 
• printed and digital resources for school staff and students which provide the tools to respond to homophobia and transphobia and to actively support gender diversity, intersex and sexual diversity 
• staff and student audits, to help schools get a clearer picture of what’s happening in the school and to track progress 
• activities and events to inspire and support young people to lead change in schools. 

While the program is currently only available in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, the program will shortly be extended to the remaining states and territories, including Queensland.

To register your interest or learn more about Safe Schools Coalition Australia, visit
www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 119 No 6, 22 August 2014, p6