Hundred of academics have shown their support for the Safe Schools Coalition program by signing their names to an open letter explaining the need for the program.
“The program is a direct response to Australian research showing that same-sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse are subject to high levels of homophobic and transphobic bullying and abuse at school. These experiences are linked with poorer mental health and wellbeing outcomes.” the letter states.
The letter highlights that in 2008 the Fourth National Survey of Australian Secondary Students Sexual Health found that between 9% – 10% of identified as being attracted to the same or both sexes.
Research from New Zealand has shown that 4 out of ever 100 students reported that they were either transgender (1.2%) or unsure of their gender (2.5%).
The collective academics highlight that the ‘Writing Themselves in 3’ report found that 75% of these students reported some sort of homophobic abuse and school is where most of the abuse took place.
The group say that the Safe Schools Coalition provides much need positive support to school communities whop are able to request professional development for staff, a range of resources, advice and guidance on how to create more inclusive learning environments.
“The number of schools who have engaged with the program (almost 500) and the number of staff who have accessed training (over 13,000) shows a clear demand from Principals, teachers, students and families across the education sectors.” the open letter stated.
366 academics from across 37 different universities have added their names to the letter, including two Vice Chancellors.
Liberal MP: “Back the Professionals”
Liberal MP Ewan Jones has told reporters that he believes politicians should back professional and trust teachers expertise.
Speaking to reporters from The Australian in Canberra, the MP from Queensland shared that two teenagers from his son’s school had taken their own lives and he supported the program.
“What we must do is make sure we are backing our professionals,” Mr Jones said.
The program was important because if teachers were asked questions they needed the appropriate resources to respond.
OIP Staff
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Is there a copy of this letter with qualifications of these academics? I hope they are all psychologist, psychiatrists and similar fields. This letter they endorsed doesn’t highlight how they believe teaching gender theory to 11 year olds can only do good for children’s sexual and behavioural development. Many say there is no evidence that gender theory harms. Reports from the Amerixan Paediatricians Association is contrary to the notion. If there is no evidence then this is an experiment I do not want my children a part of thank you