Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Safe Schools and LGBTQIA+ Support

Addressing Discrimination, Promoting Respect, and Making Every Student Feel Valued

This is the eighth post in the ‘Insights from Teaching’ Series.

Today, we focus on creating inclusive classrooms that support Safe Schools and LGBTQIA+ students. Addressing discrimination, promoting respect, and ensuring every student feels valued are essential steps in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Introduction to Inclusive Classrooms

Creating an inclusive classroom means recognising and valuing the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of all students. This includes providing support for LGBTQIA+ students and ensuring that the school environment is safe and respectful for everyone. By addressing discrimination and promoting respect, teachers can help all students feel valued and included.

Key Concepts of Inclusive Classrooms

1. Addressing Discrimination:
   • Understanding Discrimination: Discrimination can take many forms, including verbal harassment, exclusion, and unequal treatment. It is crucial to recognise and address these behaviours promptly. All schools have a zero tolerance to bullying.
   • Legal Obligations: Under the Sex Discrimination Act (2013), it is illegal to discriminate against a person based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Schools have a legal obligation to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
2. Promoting Respect:
   • Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language that respects all students’ identities. For example, instead of “boys and girls,” use “everyone” or “team.”
   • Respecting Pronouns: Allow students to share their preferred pronouns and use them consistently. This shows respect for their identity and fosters a sense of belonging.
3. Making Every Student Feel Valued:
   • Supportive Relationships: Build strong, supportive relationships with all students. Show that you care about their well-being and are there to support them.

Applying Inclusive Strategies

1. Creating a Safe Environment:
   • Set Clear Rules and Expectations: Establish clear rules against discrimination and harassment. Ensure that these rules are consistently enforced.
   • Safe Spaces: Create safe spaces where students can go if they feel threatened or need support. This could be a designated area in the classroom or a specific staff member they can talk to.
2. Promoting Respect and Understanding:
   • Education and Awareness: Educate students about diversity and inclusion. Use resources and activities that promote understanding and respect for different identities.
   • Role Modelling: Model respectful behaviour and language. Show students how to interact with others in a way that is inclusive and respectful.
3. Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students:
   • Access to Resources: Provide access to resources and support for LGBTQIA+ students. This could include information about local support groups, counselling services, and online resources.
   • Please note that if you are in a Christian school under the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021, it is illegal to engage in practices that aim to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation, including minors, even if these practices are framed as religious actions like prayer penalties can reach up to $200,000 or even 10 years in jail. Read the CSP act here

By implementing these strategies, the teacher can create a classroom environment where the student feels safe, respected, and valued.

Teach for Australia and LGBTQIA+ Support

Personal note: I began my teaching journey with Teach for Australia, a program that emphasises inclusivity and respect for diversity. Throughout the course, I was introduced to many new concepts that helped me understand how to support students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As educators, regardless of our personal beliefs or opinions, it is our responsibility to ensure that every student feels safe and supported. This means treating all students with unconditional positive regard and creating an environment where they can thrive. If a student holds a belief different from our own, we can’t affect the way we interact with or support them.

This might be a controversial opinion, but I believe that teachers shouldn’t feel obligated to support or celebrate LGBTQIA+ causes, such as participating in events like Purple Day or Rainbow Day. In my view, these celebrations aren’t suitable for primary and high school aged kids. At my school, we did observe both Rainbow Day and Purple Day, and I felt that more education and preparation for students beforehand would have been helpful to ensure the events were better understood and didn’t lead to confusion.

Final Thoughts: Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Creating an inclusive classroom is essential for the well-being and success of all students. By addressing discrimination, promoting respect, and ensuring every student feels valued, teachers can foster a positive and supportive learning environment.