New survey highlights continuing prevalence of homophobic bullying in schools.

The Lancashire Division of the National Union of Teachers last week published a new report on the prevalence of homophobia in schools.

"The Prevalence of Homophobia Study" surveyed members of Lancashire NUT and highlights:

* 57.6 of teachers had overheard / observed homophobic abuse in their school on a daily / weekly basis.
* 39% of teachers consider that their school is vigorously addressing homophobia.
* 47% of teachers would welcome specific training to help them better address homophobia in their classroom.

Janet Madigan, Secretary of Lancashire NUT places the "The Prevalence of Homophobia Study" in the context of other recent research into homophobia in schools.  She says: “Research by Stonewall and nearby Liverpool MBC suggests homophobic bullying in schools is at “endemic” levels  (School Report 2007) and is the second most common source of abuse in our schools.

“The level of abuse in Lancashire schools revealed by this report suggests that Lancashire school children and teachers are subjected to similar endemic levels of homophobic abuse within their learning and teaching environment.”

The worrying correlation between the age of those responsible for the homophobic attacks on James Parkes in Liverpool and Ian Baynham in London, and their proximity to the UK education system, has led many gay rights campaigners to call on education leads to do more to challenge homophobia in schools.

Sue Sanders, co-chair of Schools OUT said:”‘The Department for Children, Schools and Families, Local Authorities and schools must wake up to the urgent necessity to challenge such hate crimes in their schools, not to act is to condemn more families and individuals to the horror unfolding on the streets. They know homophobia and transphobia are rife in our schools, but most teachers have still had little if any training on LGBT issues. Teaching colleagues who participated in the North West NUT survey have overwhelmingly asked their schools for training to effectively address  homophobia in their schools – now it’s over to the DCSF, Local Authorities and schools to act."

LGBT History Month Launch at Salford University

Next February marks LGBT History Month, and Salford University are set to host the North West launch, on Thursday 3 December (Salford University, Peel Hall, The Crescent 7pm-9pm).  Councillor Paul Murphy the chair of Greater Manchester Police Association will be at the launch event, alongside Professor Martin Hall (Vice-Chancellor of Salford University), Professor Sheila Rowbotham, teachers, education professionals, and civic leaders.

LGBT History Month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Cllr Murphy, has encouraged schools to become part of the long-term solution to the very serious issue of homophobic hate crime. He said: ‘Homophobic bullying is a hate crime and as a parent and grandparent myself, it’s worrying to know these crimes are taking place in our schools.

"In my position as chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, I have an insight into the work of GMP and I know that dedicated specialist police officers and staff are working hard to tackle this very serious problem. Sadly, they will not succeed alone. Schools also have a great part to play in actively discouraging unacceptable behaviour.

"Everyone in society has a role to play in making our communities safer and fairer. The key to success is approaching things in the right way and in terms of hate crime, that means working with the agencies who are best equipped to bring about positive change.

"Schools are obviously crucial as they are best placed to identify, challenge and address bullying. They have the power to create cultures where this kind of hatred could never take root. If this does not happen hate crime will not go away

"Police forces will continue to be stretched trying to fix problems they cannot fix. The educational attainment of children will continue to be hampered and most importantly, the mental and physical health of our young people will continue to be damaged That is not acceptable in today’s society."

The launch will feature information focused on challenging homophobic bullying in schools, including resources and advice from Exceeding Expectations – the schools project which tackles the issue of homophobic bullying in Manchester schools.

For more information on attending the launch, click here.

AIM HIGH FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH: The LGF want to help inspire and support lesbian, gay and bisexual young people, by helping them Aim High this LGBT History Month.  To find out how you can help, click here.