Creating Inclusive Schools for Sexual Minorities: Professional, Ethical, and Legal Contexts for
EducatorsAndré P. Grace
Sarah-Jane FlynnInstitute for Sexual Minority Studies and
Services (iSMSS)
Introduction & Overview- 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- Personal discomfort
- Lack of knowledge
- Fear of parental reaction
- Lack of administrative support
- Private moral objections (religious or secular)
- Ignorance of ATA policy around mandated ethical professional practice
Health & Safety Concerns of Sexual Minority Youth
- 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- In 1999 ATA amends Code of Professional
Conduct to include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation
- In 2000 ATA adds the same protection to Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities for teachers
- In 2001 ATA’s establishes the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity DEHR subcommittee
- In 2002 SOGI link added to the ATA website
More on ATA Policy- In 2003 ATA amends Code to include
protection against discrimination based on gender identity
- In 2004 ATA adds the same protection to the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities
- In 2005 ATA passes a resolution to support the establishment of GSAs in Alberta High Schools
- In 2006 ATA passes a resolution respecting same-gender nuclear family units
More on ATA Policy
- In 2006 ATA also passes resolutions urging:- The Department of Education to include a focus
on sexual-minority issues in curricula and educational resources
- Alberta School Boards to develop district policies focusing on the health and safety of sexual-minority youth, teachers, and staff
- 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?- Create ethical pedagogies
- Announce and denounce conditions of symbolic and physical violence
- Use inclusive language
- Display affirming symbols and images
- Examine your own biases and prejudices
- Engage in personal reflection and education
iSMSS Contact Information
For further information, please contact the iSMSS APO, Sarah J. Flynn: [email protected]