Survey finds ‘shocking’ abuse of LGBTI teachers

Schools must be held accountable for confronting the abuse of LGBTI teachers, the NASUWT union has said, after a survey of members found “shocking levels” of discrimination.

Six in 10 (59%) LGBTI members taking part in the union’s snapshot survey said they have personally experienced homophobia, biphobia, transphobia or related forms of discrimination in their workplace.

They reported experiencing discrimination in their schools/colleges from: pupils (68%); teachers or other staff (49%); parents (25%); and/or the school leadership (25%).

The poll also found that:

76% do not think their schools/colleges are doing enough to promote LGBTI equality;

26% said there are no mechanisms or processes for reporting LGBTI harassment or discrimination in their workplace; and

29% are not confident that an incident of LGBTI discrimination, bullying or harassment reported to their employer would be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach commented: “School and college employers who are failing in their statutory duty to protect LGBTI teachers from discrimination, harassment and victimisation at work are breaking the law and they must be held to account.

“There must be a zero-tolerance approach,” he concluded.

https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/article-listing/schools-must-tackle-abuse-of-lgbti-teachers.html