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Original poster

Who are "Just Like Us"

35 replies

Pellewsmate · 15/06/2021 13:49

My DC school has just emailed letting us know that they are taking part in School Diversity Week organised by Just Like Us. Has anyone had any experience of this charity? A quick glance at their website has shown me that they say that gender identity is a characteristic protected by law. Should I be concerned that they might be teaching that sex can be changed and that it is possible to be born in the wrong body?
The school will be fund raising for Young Minds, which appears to be a charity which supports young people with mental illness and I have no problems donating.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pellewsmate · 17/06/2021 17:11

Yes, I think the board of governors is the next step.

Unfortunately, DC travels to school by bus so I barely know any other parent, definitely not well enough to know their views on the LGBT+ issue.

I assumed after the new email to the whole school, after my first email to them, that I wasn't the only concerned parent but have no idea who else might have contacted them.

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WarOnWoman · 17/06/2021 17:02

The Head's reaction is very disappointing and annoying, OP. I guess the Head doesn't like being wrong, they can get very defensive about it. I assume the school hopes you will go away. If you get no joy from the head, contact the chair of governors. Also, get other parents involved.

Original poster
Pellewsmate · 17/06/2021 16:51

Here's an update. After having done some research it appears that all schools must offer a relationship and sex curriculum no later than Summer Term 2021, I think the school has panicked and thought Just Like Us would tick the boxes required.
I messaged the head stating that I love diversity but was concerned about Just Like Us changing protected characteristics. I pointed out that the school has a responsibility to ensure that external organistions do not undermine the British rule of law. I took the opportunity to point out that the schools Equal Opportunities Policy also quotes the wrong protected characteristics and asking to view teaching resources.
The head replied that there were no speakers or virtual presentations.
I tried again asking about resources being used, again mentioned the law and repeated my concerns about school policy being wrong.
I then got the reply that the week is just about diversity and that school policy is not wrong.
My latest email asked again about resources and the law and I also provided a screenshot of school policy from the schools website proving that their policy is wrong. I waiting for the next load of BS to drop in my inbox.
Can anyone explain why they can't answer a simple question instead of doubling down and burying their head in the sand.
I believe that headteachers undergo the same training as politicians, none of them can give a straight answer.

OP posts:
ValancyRedfern · 15/06/2021 22:25

I've seen them recommended a lot by teachers who also recommend Stonewall, Mermaids etc, so my guard would be up, but I don't know anything about them specifically. I second getting in touch with Safe Schools Alliance, and keeping up your questions to the school. They may well consider they have responded with that general message to parents; make it clear to them they haven't!

Original poster
Pellewsmate · 15/06/2021 18:12

I haven't received a direct response but the headteacher has now sent an email to all parents clarifying things. Apparently School Diversity Week is all about valuing everyone for who they are. No mention of the concerns I raised about gender identity not being a protected characteristic or about teaching content. I'll have another go tomorrow when I'm feeling stronger.

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Thelnebriati · 15/06/2021 17:38

Good luck, please post updates when you hear back from them.

Original poster
Pellewsmate · 15/06/2021 15:04

Thank you all for your help, just sent an email to the school outlining my concerns, let's see if they respond.

@Rushhomeroad very similar posts, hope this helps you too.

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Thelnebriati · 15/06/2021 14:05

The protected characteristics are listed here;

age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
marriage and civil partnership;
pregnancy and maternity;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/4

Schools are not supposed to work with outside agencies that misrepresent the law.

''Resources used in teaching about this topic must always be age-appropriate and evidence based. Materials which suggest that non-conformity to gender stereotypes should be seen as synonymous with having a different gender identity should not be used and you should not work with external agencies or organisations that produce such material. While teachers should not suggest to a child that their non-compliance with gender stereotypes means that either their personality or their body is wrong and in need of changing, teachers should always seek to treat individual students with sympathy and support.''
www.gov.uk/guidance/plan-your-relationships-sex-and-health-curriculum#ensuring-content-is-appropriate

EmbarrassingAdmissions · 15/06/2021 13:54

There are probably several useful threads here but you might want to read this Safe Schools Alliance letter that mentions them:

safeschoolsallianceuk.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Letter-to-Gavin-Williamson-re-DfE-resources-v2.pdf

ArabellaScott · 15/06/2021 13:53

Well, that's inaccurate. It's 'gender reassignment'. I would be concerned, although I don't know this organisation, that they are already putting forward inaccurate information.