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Safe Schools Coalition Australia - Wikipedia The Safe Schools program simply seeks to create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ students. Within any school community, there is always a diversity of views represented and schools take those views into account when working with children and families. National funding for the work comes from the Department of Education. Behind Australia's safe schools campaign | MercatorNet The safety and well-being of same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families. Myth: The Safe Schools program teaches there are 63 different genders.Fact: The Safe Schools program does not teach this. At least one MP, West Australian. [1], The review revealed that opponents to the program had made statements that grossly misrepresented and exaggerated the nature of the program. Mainly because of cruel religious fanatics and their enablers. [54] NSW Labor politician Penny Sharpe has said that opposition is primarily due to homophobia and transphobia. The Safe Schools program cut across this normally subdued approach with wild sexual and gender philosophies straight off university campuses. Education Reviewtakes an in-depth look at the program and asks you the question: What did we learn from Safe Schools? [25] Research on intersex Australians published in 2016 shows that, while 2% of Australians fail to complete secondary school, 18% of Australians born with intersex variations fail to do so due to issues around bullying, discrimination and pubertal medical interventions. These resources contain stories about how young. A student group named US Pride has been a highly successful component of this on-campus support. The fact that parental oversight was deliberately undermined, and the fact that there was a strong emphasis on redefining gender, also made this program really unsuitable for schools. [89], In July 2016, members of Sydney's Chinese community lodged a petition containing more than 17,000 signatures, against the Safe Schools program. LGBTIQ identities are becoming more visible and diverse, and young people are using and inventing a range of ways to identify and talk about it. Childhood, Schools and the Ideal Citizen: Efforts to Support LGBTQ When that emerged it should have been hit on the head by centre-right governments at federal and state level". [11] In response an independent review was conducted in 2016. It is simply a program to help schools and students understand and respect that people should not be discriminated against for any reason - including gender and sexual diversity. [3][4] In December 2016, the Education Department took control of the program in Victoria. [29], The first community-based LGBTIQ youth groups in the fields of social services were established in the United States in the late 1970s. [21] In December 2016 Bega Valley Shire Council voted to support the program. FactCheck: does the Safe Schools program contain 'highly explicit As of July 2017, 54 schools in WA, Tas and NT were nominated as SSCA members. These posters are available to download and print. Guide to making your school safe and inclusive for LGBTIQ+ students (PDF. [34][51] The program is supported by Beyond Blue, headspace and the Australian Secondary Principals Association. Schools were needing an anti-bullying program to protect everyone not just those who feel that there is a gender other than male and female. This paper draws on analysis of the Australian Parliamentary Hansard, examining 18,000 words spoken about Safe Schools by Senators and Members of . [5] Required fields are marked *. [citation needed] Representatives from Safe Schools are available to meet with parents, students and teachers upon request. [66] Christensen also likened the program to a "pedophile grooming a victim",[67][68] said the program was attempting to introduce into schools "queer gender theory" and "marxist ideology" that should be limited to universities. The four official Guides were consistent with the aims of the program and appropriate for use in schools. Safe Schools: Malcolm Turnbull requests investigation into program The Safe Schools program was created to tackle this issue in Australian schools and, by extension, reduce the disproportionately high rate of depression and suicide among LGBTIQ people. If you have a speech or hearing impairment contact the National Relay Service (NRS): School staff, parents and students can contact Safe Schools for: The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging. By: Wade Zaglas [130], In December 2016 Safe Schools Coalition Australia has severed its ties with the Safe Schools Coalition Victoria. [141], In September 2017 there was what was described as "aggressive altercations" to prevent people entering a Brisbane church where a Safe Schools seminar was being held. What most parents found abhorrent (note: it was not a moral panic in some circles as the article claims) was that LGBT activists tried to hijack the program and use it as a way of indoctrinating innocent children. Sydney, p 3. [citation needed] In September 2016, South Australian students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents. It recognises that creating a safe and inclusive environment is key to tackling bullying and harassment and preventing suicide and self-harm. Resource content includes a video of same sex attracted and gender diverse youth, as well as intersex film-maker Phoebe Hart. As of mid February 2016, 490 schools were members of the program, and 86 organisations were supporters of the coalition. [148], In August 2016, the ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, committed $100,000 to the Safe Schools Program in the Territory. [103], In Canberra there were "acts of intimidation" made against those opposed to the Safe Schools Program. Birmingham stated that controversy over the program was "very unhelpful because the debate that seems to be occurring in the public space is one of whether or not we should be teaching inclusiveness and tolerance in our schools". If you would like to request a copy, please email foi@education.gov.au. Click to download Keywords The College partnered with the Diversity Project, Uniting Goulburn North East, to provide ongoing, on-campus support to students who identify as LGBTIQ+. [140] Queensland has withdrawn from the Safe Schools Coalition Program. [23], In describing the aims of the program, the Safe Schools Coalition Australia reports that "75% of same sex attracted young people experience some form of homophobic abuse or bullying A staggering 80% of young people experienced abuse and bullying while at school",[24] more than anywhere else. And I oppose Safe Schools", "Catherine McGregor speaks out against Safe Schools", "Catherine McGregor dropped from LGBT group over anti-Safe School comments", "Catherine McGregors angry response to Kaleidoscope Australia sacking", "Cate McGregor declares herself wrong to oppose Safe Schools", "Encounter made me realise I was wrong to oppose Safe Schools", "Roz Ward suspended from controversial Safe Schools program", "Flag slur underlines concerns: Turnbull", "Safe Schools' Roz Ward to sue La Trobe University unless they drop misconduct investigation", "Jeff Kennett: Safe Schools funding lost if Roz Ward stays", "Safe Schools: Australian Chinese community petition against anti-bullying program lodged in NSW", "Safe Schools program: thousands in NSW sign petition calling for it to be scrapped", "Indians join Chinese concerned about Safe Schools rollout", "National curriculum review: Who is Kevin Donnelly? [55] A petition presented by Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms to Parliament in March 2016 contained 70,000 signatures in support of the organisation. [15], In February 2016, under privilege of Parliament, George Christensen claimed the program exposed students to inappropriate sexual material. [113] The Turnbull Liberal/National Coalition government was quick to adopt changes to the program following the review. As such, it is our job to provide them with the education they need NOT the education parents want. [39], In 2016 the Safe Schools Program was "rolled out" in 20 Tasmanian schools. [17] The current (as of November 2017) federal government's policy is not to fund the program beyond 2017. Coalition opposition to Safe Schools LGBTI program 'based in homophobia' 20 Mar 2016 Caving in to the right on Safe Schools could undermine Turnbull's greatest asset The Safe Schools Coalition Australia programme was established with worthy objectives to reduce homophobic and transphobic behaviour, increase support for individual students and increase their positive inclusion to maximise the learning potential of all in a safe environment. A key aspect of Safe Schools Coalition is that its model is based on the voluntary membership of schools and is instigated by schools themselves, almost always led by staff or students. [12] The report recommended an increase in the availability of guidance on the use of included materials. This Web site is operated and maintained by AIR. Toggle State and Territory Government positions subsection, George Christensen Speech to the House of Representatives, Turnbull Liberal/National Coalition government, "Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia Program Resources", "Safe Schools Coalition looks to new leader as funds run dry", "Fast Facts About Safe Schools Coalition Australia", "Push in schools to fight 'modern' homophobia", "No backing down on Safe Schools, Education Minister James Merlino tells parents", "Safe Schools: 'rainbow ideology' fuels sex switches", "Safe Schools program downsized after campaign by right-wing MPs and Christian lobby groups", "Safe Schools program is making a difference", "Principal warns against academic impact of bullying", "Catholic principal pressured to withdraw from Safe Schools Coalition", "Salvation Army Supports Safe Schools Initiative", "Salvation Army in retreat on Safe Schools program", "Salvation Army backflips on Safe Schools support", "Salvation Army Announces National Position On Safe Schools", "Safe Schools Program gets Bega Valley council support", "Safe School support rescinded in heated Bega council meeting", "We support the Safe Schools Coalition Australia", Organisation Intersex International Australia, "Safe Schools LGBTI program researchers 'receiving abusive emails' after Christian lobby campaign", "Christian lobby groups claim 'radical sexual experimentation' is being promoted in schools", "Secrecy over Safe Schools in NSW criticised", "Coming out: gay friendly schools form Rainbow Alliance", Department of Education and Training (Australia), "Safe Schools program ordered to stay silent on gay marriage", "MP demands schools offer get-out option on gender bully scheme", "Only one school has quit Safe Schools LGBTI program after parents' objections", Department of Education and Training (Victoria), "Is 'The Gender Fairy' in your school library? The Safe Schools program helps schools foster a safe environment that is supportive and inclusive of LGBTIQ+ students. In February, the Australian's editorial referred to it as the "so-called Safe Schools Coalition"; by March, it was the "not-so-safe schools program"; by May, the "gender fluidity Safe Schools program"; by the end of 2016, the "Marxist inspired Safe Schools." In November, journalist Rebecca Urban valiantly continued pumping out stories on Safe Schools, no matter how minor the . [46], The material challenges notions of heteronormativity and promotes acceptance of LGBTIQ people. Dissecting the moral panic over Safe Schools - Solidarity Online This includes considering any further resources and supports that may be required. The Safe Schools Coalition Australia was a group of organisations in Australia focused on LGBTIQ people in schools. Given this, and that most students receive sex education in years 7 and 8, the teaching resource All of Us, intended for years 7/8, coincides with the period designated most appropriate for this type of health education for young people. Show pages under Student Resilience and Wellbeing, Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) Programme, Funding for universities and institutions, Requirements for Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) providers, Australia's National research Infrastructure, Financial assistance for international students, Australian Strategy for International Education, Resources for providers in supporting students, Student Resilience and Wellbeing Resources, The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. A key premise for safe schools is that LGBTIQ students exist. The Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) was a group of organisations in Australia focused on LGBTIQ people in schools. If you're having problems accessing a document, please contact us for help. The LGBTI groups which were pushing it may not have realised this fact, but, for legal reasons alone, schools have to be very careful about the manner in which they discuss sex with students. Schools are encouraged to customise the implementation of resources which are provided. Are Victorian school children being taught Safe Schools? [25] The All Of Us resource[26] cites research on same sex attracted and gender diverse youth documented in the report, Writing Themselves in 3, prepared by the La Trobe University's, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Let's not lose sight of the facts in the Safe Schools debate "[85], In June 2016, La Trobe University suspended Roz Ward, the British academic and activist who "runs the Safe Schools Coalition" through the university's Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, for saying she wanted to get rid of the "racist" Australian flag and replace it with a red flag, "and my work is done". Contact [emailprotected] for more information. Schools choose from a range of evidence-based and age-appropriate information, resources and professional learning to help them prevent, and respond to, bullying and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. 80% of these homophobic and transphobic incidents take place in schools. [117] State governments are also fully responsible for directly funded programs in South Australia[118] and the Australian Capital Territory. Otherwise, teachers will be accused of grooming and may face disciplinary or legal action against them. [1] Rosenstreich, G. (2013) LGBTIQ+ People Mental Health and SuicideExternal Link Revised 2nd Edition. [55] The petition incorporated wording from a Safe Schools student resource. The voluntary program gained traction after its success in Victoria and was picked up nationally starting in 2013. [119] Several schools in Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory remain signed up to national Safe Schools registry. The fact that parental oversight was undermines is because the department of education explicitly states it exists for the welfare of the students. Our school stands up for inclusion and diversity (PDF, Schools and early childhood services at risk of grassfire - Category 4, Championing Victorian industry within schools, School excursions, incursions and online events, Kindergarten Central Registration and Enrolment, Vocational Education and Training (VET) at school, Why kids need to get their move on - in your language, Targeted initiative to attract more teachers, Rural and Regional Pre-service Teacher Placements, Tier 1: School-wide mental health promotion, How schools provide targeted mental health response, Supporting students after distressing events, Staff wellbeing after conflict or emergency, Workforce readiness programs for secondary schools, International Specialised Skills Institute, Transforming the first years of the teaching career, Tutor Learning Initiative: information for prospective tutors, High intensity OSHC support for students with disabilities, Board certified behaviour analyst pilot project, Free sanitary pads and tampons in all government schools, Year 9 NAPLAN certificates of achievement, Downloadable communications resources for schools, Asylum seeker Vocational Education Training program, Senior secondary schooling pathway reforms, Inclusive education for students with disabilities, Victorian child health and wellbeing survey, Effective Early Education Experiences - E4Kids Study, Victorian student health and wellbeing survey, Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) Victoria, Using the AEDC: research, resources and data sources, Comprehensive monitoring: an AEDC extension project, AEDC Victorian results - change over time, Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System, Guidance for early childhood services and parents, Administration information for all school coordinators, Government school coordinators: setting up the Challenge, Catholic school coordinators: setting up the Challenge, Independent school coordinators: setting up the Challenge, Independent school administrators: setting up the Challenge, How to send student logins via email in bulk, 150 years of public education in Victoria, 150 Years Teaching and Learning Resource Packs, satisfy our policies regarding sexual and gender diversity and Victorian and Australian anti-discrimination legislation, prevent and respond to bullying incidents of LGBTIQ+ students, adopt a whole-school approach to preventing discrimination, harassment and bullying, create supportive and inclusive school policies, train staff on creating supportive spaces for LGBTIQ+ students, develop student-led activities to create positive, inclusive change, and. It is established that young people are sexually active with or without sex education. Its mission is to create safe and inclusive schools for students, families and staff who are in these groups. FOI Reference. Many LGBTIQ+ students feel uncomfortable about seeking support or affirming their identity and providing guidance and advice about these processes can reduce fear and anxiety in dealing with this. On 26 February 2016 the Australian Government announced that there would be an independent review of the current resources provided to schools under the Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) Programme. This features an abundance of slick classroom materials and videos to reduce bullying of LGBTQI students and "heteronormativity" - the "belief system" that male-female attraction is normal. Safe Schools Coalition co-founder, Roz Ward[44] has compiled the accompanying notes for teachers and parents. Teachers could use as many or as few of the materials as they wished, and decisions relating to the suitability of content and material rested with school communities. The Benalla P-12 College has worked to build greater inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ students over the past two years, in response to student needs. [18] Later in November that endorsement was withdrawn[19][20] with the Salvation Army saying that it, "cannot unconditionally support the Safe Schools programs in Australia in their current form". School principals take into consideration the views of their school community, including their parent and student representative groups, when determining the best approach to implementing their commitment to being a safe school. One of the most controversial parts of the program was the post-modern idea that gender is non-binary and fluid. The role of a school is to equip its students to lead healthy and productive lives, to not only achieve academically but also to be happy, healthy and resilient. McGregor expressed her disappointment. An emerging area of need in schools is support for transgender and gender diverse students who want to affirm their gender identities, a concern with which schools or young people often approach the coalition. [151] As of 2017 the ACT is no longer a member of the Safe Schools Coalition Program. As Victoria Rawlings from the University of Sydney told The Conversation: Much of the debate relating to Safe Schools so far has included commentators explicitly and implicitly suggesting that young people require protection from the concepts that the program raises.. Safe Schools Coalition Australia is a national coalition of organisations and schools working together to create safe and inclusive school environments for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families. Students are given the opportunity to challenge LGBT stereotypes. [40] Some schools present no classroom material to students. Students are encouraged to discuss what they learn at school with their families and parents. First, readers have been interpellated as parents b. [114], In September 2016, Queensland students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents. [33], This voluntary program, developed by the Safe Schools Coalition, commenced in Victoria on 21 October 2010,[34] and received national funding of $8million in 2013. Moral Panic 101 | The Monthly . The review made the following findings, which were not consistent with the criticism made: Following the federal government defunding the program in 2016 and states replacing the Safe Schools with more over-arching anti-bullying programs, a future iteration of the program seems unlikely. Rightwing parliamentarians have criticised Safe Schools for promoting what they claim is hypersexualised content that promotes an anti-heterosexual lifestyle. They are suitable for use by individual secondary students but may not be suitable for use in some faith-based schools. Please include the document's FOI Reference and Title in your request. 17 October 2016. [145][146], In September 2016, Western Australian students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents. Some of the actions taken by the Turnbull government were not recommended in the review. You may also wish to contact your local school directly to discuss their approach to LGBTIQ+ inclusion and support. Safe Schools Coalition describes itself as: a national coalition of organisations and schools working together to create safe and inclusive school environments for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families. [39], In June 2017, the Queensland Government announced that it will not fund the program when the Federal Government ceases funding the Safe Schools Program in October 2017. The Safe Schools program seeks to ensure all children and young people feel safe, happy and comfortable at school. Annastacia Palaszczuk pledged support for Safe Schools during the 2015 Queensland state election but as of March 2016 had not made any announcements. The Safe Schools program is managed and delivered directly by the Department of Education and Training. The Department of Education and Training has developed the following resource to build schools understanding of the Safe Schools program and to guide their efforts to support LGBTIQ+ inclusion in their community. How does my school become a safe school? Safe Schools Coalition Australia | Health and Education - UNESCO This article suggests that the term . Safe Schools Coalition Australia - Wikiwand "Trans kids are still doing it tough. STATEMENT ON SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION | Ministers' Media Centre . [47] In some instances the mere knowledge that a school is part of the coalition has increased the level of safety felt by LGBTIQ students. The Department of Education acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, water and community. In a speech to parliament, Mr Christensen accused the program of promoting a queer gender theory and said the program recommended pornographic material, sex clubs and sex shops, among other things. Agree with Stephen. [116], The Federal Government ceased its funding of the Safe Schools program in October 2016. Videos are available to accompany the lessons. Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition In 2014, one school signed up to the Safe Schools Coalition in Victoria banned a student from taking a same-sex partner to the formal, and Safe Schools' response was not to condemn the school for discrimination but gently to suggest it review its policies. Both Coalition parties oppose the program. Myth: The program promotes and teaches children to undertake behaviour such as chest-binding and cross-dressing.Fact: The program does not promote chest-binding or cross-dressing. Was the program too flexible in allowing schools a lot of choice and did this lead to problems of interpretation? We are opposed to . [39], In February 2017, it was announced that NSW public school teachers were provided with, "a list of resources that should not be used. Nothing more to say. Safe schools do better - Student Wellbeing Hub Recently, Safe Schools Coalition has been accused of promoting a radical view of gender and sexuality, and foisting it on schools through indoctrination, enforcement, and induction. [52], Advocates for the program point to high levels of homophobic abuse, including in school settings, and high levels of school leaving. The Victorian government first established the Safe Schools Coalition Australia in 2010. We regularly consult with schools and key stakeholders to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of schools and their communities. Research has found that school-based inclusion or anti-bullying policies can have a direct impact on same sex attracted students health and well-being.