INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT
The Teaching Tolerance guide will shows educators how to respond to hate-related incident in their school or community and guides them through crisis management and post-crisis efforts at improvement.
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Teaching Tolerant take a stand against the bullying of LGBTIQ+ Youth. Despite much progress in recent years, this problem still plagues in South Africa schools. Young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual and Queer+ kids are at an increased risk of being bullying. Many experience verbal, physical and emotional abuse from their peers, which leads to higher rates of depression and suicide. To raise awareness of this issue One Love LGBTIQ+ Community decided to create A Teaching Tolerance Guide for School Leaders Booklet.
Schools are places of learning and also miniature societies. The climate of a school has a direct impact on both how well students learn and how well they interact with their peers. Teachers and administrators work hard to make their classrooms welcoming places where each student feels included. But despite these efforts, students who are—or who are perceived to be—lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBTIQ+) continue to face a harsh reality.
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According to a recent Human Rights Campaign survey, LGBTIQ+ students report being harassed at school—both verbally and physically—at twice the rate of non-LGBTIQ+ youth. With heightened stressors like bullying, harassment and a lack of role models, LGBTIQ+ students are also more likely to experience negative educational outcomes.
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Needless to say, LGBTIQ+ students need allies.
Studies have shown that creating a supportive environment for LGBTIQ+ students improves educational outcomes for all students, not just those who may identify as LGBTIQ+. And remember, it’s not about politics—it’s about supporting students. Any educator, regardless of his personal beliefs, can be a resource for LGBTIQ+ students.
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It all starts with awareness. Often educators are unsure how to support their LGBTIQ+ students in a meaningful way. These best practices were compiled to give school leaders the knowledge they need to create a climate in which their most vulnerable students feel safe and valued. Through inclusive policies and nurturing practices, administrators, counselors and teachers have the power to build an educational environment that is truly welcoming to all students.