Brighton & Hove City Council named among top local authorities in the country for tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.
The council has been placed in second place in the 2016 Stonewall Education Equality Index, published by Stonewall, the LGBT Equality Charity, which rates the performance of different councils using a wide range of measures.
Stonewall has described the council as “consistently innovative” in finding ways to celebrate difference, challenge prejudice and support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans students.
They praised the work the council does jointly with Allsorts the LGBT Youth Project, where young people from Allsorts have delivered training to council and school staff and provided anti-bullying sessions in secondary PSHE lessons and primary school assemblies.
They also praised American Express, whose LGBT staff have visited schools to act as role models to support careers education.
The council’s lead member for equalities, Councillor Emma Daniel, said: “Children and young people are happier and do better academically when they feel safe and valued.
“We want all our young people to be able to make the best of their talents without fear or prejudice.
“The work in our schools on LGBT issues sits alongside other excellent equalities work challenging sexism and supporting BME pupils and those who have disabilities or special education needs.
“We have been at or near the top of the Stonewall Education Equality Index over a number of years, which shows the consistency of our work in this area.
“I’d like to thank our schools, the council’s education team, Allsorts and other partners for going the extra mile to support our children and young people in this vital area.”
Allsorts Director Jess Wood MBE, said: “All our fantastic schools across the city deserve huge praise for the tireless work they put in to change things for the better.
“There’s always more to be done, but we’re delighted to be working with such inclusive and progressively minded schools who help make our city a safer and more supportive place for LGBT children and young people.”
To read the report, click here:
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