Creating Inclusive Schools for Sexual Minorities:

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Contexts for Educators

André P. Grace Sarah-Jane Flynn

Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (iSMSS)

Introduction & Overview

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Why educators might avoid sexual-minority issues and concerns Health & safety concerns of sexual-minority youth What the research says The matter of youth resiliency Law, legislation, and policy What one educator can do iSMSS Contact Information

Why educators might avoid sexual minority issues and concerns

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Personal discomfort

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Lack of knowledge

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Fear of parental reaction

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Lack of administrative support

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Private moral objections (religious or secular)

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Ignorance of ATA policy around mandated ethical professional practice

Health & Safety Concerns of Sexual Minority Youth

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Invisible minority groups Disproportionate targets for violence and victimization Coming out at younger ages Street involvement Suicide and Suicide Ideation Lack of knowledge of sexual health and safety

Research on Sexual-Minority Youth in our Schools

- Truancy or dropping out - Drug and alcohol abuse - Increased peer victimization - Withdrawal from social and school activities - More experiences of dating violence - Significantly higher rates of bullying and sexual harassment - Running away from home - Turning to prostitution and/or living on the streets - Depression and/or increased suicide ideation or suicide attempts (Bagley & Tremblay, 1997; Grace & Wells, 2001, 2004, & 2005; McCreary Centre Society, 1999; Ryan & Futterman, 1998; Wells & Tsutsumi, 2005; Wells, 2006; Williams, Connolly, Pepler, & Craig, 2003 & 2005 )

Resiliency & Sexual-Minority Youth - Positive representations - Family & community acceptance - Positive peer & school relationships - Sexual-minority support networks - A variety of coping strategies (resiliency mindset) - Higher self-esteem/social-esteem

Law, Legislation, and Policy - Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act (1998) *Vriend decision - April 02, 1998 - ATA Professional Code of Conduct (1999/2003) - ATA Declaration of Rights & Responsibilities for Teachers (2000/2004) - The Alberta School Act – Section 45 (8) (2000) - Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – Section 15 (1) Individual rights and

accommodation

More on ATA Policy

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In 1999 ATA amends Code of Professional Conduct to include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation

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In 2000 ATA adds the same protection to Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities for teachers

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In 2001 ATA’s establishes the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity DEHR subcommittee

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In 2002 SOGI link added to the ATA website

More on ATA Policy

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In 2003 ATA amends Code to include protection against discrimination based on gender identity

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In 2004 ATA adds the same protection to the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities

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In 2005 ATA passes a resolution to support the establishment of GSAs in Alberta High Schools

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In 2006 ATA passes a resolution respecting same-gender nuclear family units

More on ATA Policy

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In 2006 ATA also passes resolutions urging:

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The Department of Education to include a focus on sexual-minority issues in curricula and educational resources

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Alberta School Boards to develop district policies focusing on the health and safety of sexual-minority youth, teachers, and staff

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Faculties of Education to include curriculum and instructional strategies in their teacher preparation programs that focus on sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways in Alberta classrooms and schools

Concluding Perspective: What Can One Educator Do?

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Create ethical pedagogies

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Announce and denounce conditions of symbolic and physical violence

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Use inclusive language

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Display affirming symbols and images

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Examine your own biases and prejudices

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Engage in personal reflection and education

iSMSS Contact Information

For further information, please contact the iSMSS APO, Sarah J. Flynn: [email protected]