MATERIAL AIMED at helping teachers tackle homophobia in schools is being distributed at some of this week’s teaching union conferences.
Delegates at the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) events are receiving a booklet, Teachers Supporting Diversity. The information has been compiled by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen) in association with the two unions.
TUI deputy general secretary Annette Dolan said it was vital members had the knowledge and confidence to deal with the issue of homophobic bullying.
“We hope that the resource being launched at our conference will support teachers in developing the skills necessary to tackle this issue effectively.”
ASTI general secretary John White said vulnerable young people needed to be protected and supported. “Our members are committed to tackling homophobia in schools and welcome the guidance that is being offered in this resource,” he said.
“It’s a great shame that this guide is being launched at a time when, due to the non-filling of promotional posts, schools and students will suffer a serious reduction in pastoral care facilities. Year heads, so central to the promotion of the students’ wellbeing, will be reduced in number.”
Glen spokeswoman Sandra Gowran described homophobic bullying as a “pervasive problem” in many schools.
