Discriminatory behaviour is not and should never be an inevitable part of school life or a necessary part of growing up.
And that is why East Dunbartonshire Council is supporting its schools to achieve LGBT Charter Awards in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland.
Bearsden Academy, Bishopbriggs Academy, Boclair Academy, Douglas Academy, Kirkintilloch High School, Lenzie Academy and Merkland School have all achieved the charter award – four at silver level and three at bronze.
The LGBT Charter Awards Programme began in East Dunbartonshire in December 2020 and over the past two years LGBT Youth Scotland has supported pupils and staff to undertake training and review policies, practice and resources to make sure that legislative needs are met and an inclusive approach is embedded.
The Council is committed to providing a a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people in our educational establishments. We want to promote a culture where discrimination is recognised as being unacceptable. Achieving this Charter Award is a major step towards embedding those principles so that all students feel supported
A report to the Council’s Education Committee contained statistics from ‘Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People’ (Dennel, Anderson and McDonnell 2018). Data showed that 9% of LGBT young people and 27% of transgender young people left education as a result of homophobia, biphobia or transphobia in the learning environment. 63% of LGBT young people who experienced bullying said it had a negative impact on educational attainment.
Councillor Williamson added, “I’d like to congratulate our schools on their success to date and thank them for their commitment to the Charter Awards Programme.”
