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MNHQ

Stonewall would like your backing for a campaign about homophobic language in schools: what do you think?

2 replies

RowanMumsnet · 22/10/2013 10:48

Hello

The campaigning organisation Stonewall, with whom we've done a bit of work in the past, is asking whether Mumsnet can give its collective support to a new campaign about the use of homophobic language by schoolchildren, and the way that schools deal with this problem. As ever, we'd like to know what you think about adding Mumsnet's voice to this.

The central issue is around the pejorative use by children of words and phrases like 'gay' and 'you're so gay': whether schools recognise such language as homophobic, whether they take appropriate steps to tackle it, and whether children in schools are given appropriate and clear guidance about the unacceptability of this sort of language. The campaign will concentrate on working with schools to give training and support where necessary.

The campaign hasn't launched yet, and Stonewall doesn't want to give away all its campaign tactics before the launch (understandably), but if you have any specific questions about the methods and aims of the campaigns, let us know and we'll see if we can get answers for you.

Please do also use this thread to let us know what you think about Mumsnet officially getting behind this one.

Thanks,
MNHQ

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MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 22/10/2013 16:30

Hello everyone

Thanks for your views so far.

We'll see if we can get some input from Stonewall on the specific questions you've raised.

Thanks
MNHQ

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 23/10/2013 13:11

Hello

Here's Stonewall's response to some of the points raised so far.

''The campaign will be GB-wide, and we’ll be producing Welsh language versions of materials.

On the point about a wider campaign, we do work closely with other organisations, and sit on the advisory group of the Anti-Bullying Alliance. But what we've recognised is that there's a specific problem with the use of 'that's so gay', with 99 per cent of gay young people saying that they hear it in school, hence why we think it needs a specific intervention. The difference between it and certain types of other hate speech is that young people don't realise that they're being homophobic.

On the point about primary schools, there is absolutely an expectation that primary schools should tackle homophobic language as well – because this is the point when pupils develop intolerant attitudes. Our Teacher Training DVD for primary schools has a specific chapter on homophobic language and has been sent to 15,000 primary schools across the UK.

On the final point about governing bodies, schools have a duty to tackle the use of homophobic language regardless of their beliefs. The way that we make the case to faith schools is that whilst your religion may not approve of homosexuality, no religion condones bullying and abuse. The guidance we're producing will also have a wealth of information to help parents and teachers make the case to their schools if they’re reluctant that they should be tackling homophobic language.''

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