Schools Out

The Schools Out conference on 03 February was a typically lively event with a lot of debate and discussion. A lot of progress has been made in combatting homophobia in schools and in society at large.

Judy Moorhouse, representing the NUT and the GTC reminded the conference that teachers who engage in homophobic bullying are guilty of professional misconduct.

Many Local Authorities remind employees of the legal framework which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Human Resources manual available in all West Sussex Schools for example says,

“Employees are legally protected from discrimination and harassment at work on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief. This applies throughout the employment relationship, including during the recruitment process, in the workplace, on dismissal and, in certain circumstances, after employment has finished. It also applies to terms and conditions, pay, promotions, transfers, training and dismissals."

However there is still a good deal of homophobic bullying of both teachers and pupils and there is a long way to go.




Aside from the discussion, one of the highlights of Schools Out was the performance by MzFontaine, a remarkable rap artist who had the audience on their feet. We could do with her at NUT conference.