The current educational issue that I want to write about is
the gay culture in Sydney schools.
In The Sydney Morning Herald dated 28 August 2013 (Wednesday), there was an article titled
In The Sydney Morning Herald dated 28 August 2013 (Wednesday), there was an article titled
" Push to end expulsion of gay students".
Journalist Josephine Tovey reports that controversial laws that permit private
schools to expel gay students could be abolished if the two main parties are
allowed a conscience vote on the issue. Under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act,
it is unlawful for public schools and educational institutions to discriminate
against or expel students on the basis of homosexuality, transgender status and
other traits, but private schools are explicitly exempt from these provisions.
Complaints
by students at religious schools about homophobic bullying are sometimes
ignored by staff and they have been told to convert to heterosexuality,
according to Dr Tiffany Jones from the University of New England's School of
Education.
Students are bullied by their peers because of
their non-heterosexual status are reluctant to report the matter to teachers as
they are afraid of being expelled. Mr Greenwich, the MP who seeks to overturn
the law, said students should be free from harassment and discrimination.
Heterosexuality is the
cultural norm. Our sexual identities are developed within a social
framework of heterosexual dominance. We are surrounded by images
and references almost exclusively heterosexual. This creates an
environment in which people assumes that everyone is heterosexual and those who
are not are abnormal or deviant (Murray, 2001). When someone’s
sexual orientation does not conform to the dominant group, he is often a target
for discrimination and harassment. On the other hand, with more television
shows and movies featuring gay relationships, the stigma on gay identities
is reducing.
Gay culture can be found in
Sydney schools. According to Jones, one in ten students experience same sex
attraction nationally. For same sex attracted youth, schools pose a danger as homophobia
is a common form of bullying with verbal abuse escalating to physical abuse. As
a result, homophobic bullying demands
immediate attention from both schools and teaching staff (Jones et. al.,
2009, p.62).
Personally,
I feel that teachers and students should develop empathy for people who are
discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. We should challenge
stereotypical thinking, acknowledge and affirm the right of each individual to
be who they are without fear of discrimination, harassment or
violence. Schools should promote the acceptance of diverse gender and sexuality expression. There
should be greater intervention in schools and teachers should be empowered to
manage homophobia.
References:
Jones, T. & Tyrrell, K.
L. (2009)Teacher: The National Education Magazine Issue Oct 2009 Page 62-63
Murray, D., (2001). Out
with Homophobia, Youth Studies Australia, Brisbane.
Tovey. J, 2013 "Push
to end expulsion of gay students" Sydney Morning Hearld
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/push-to-end-expulsion-of-gay-students-20130827-2soet.html#ixzz2h0cIOOVb
(Accessed on 2 October 2013)
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/push-to-end-expulsion-of-gay-students-20130827-2soet.html#ixzz2h0cIOOVb
(Accessed on 2 October 2013)
Hi Elina,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your entry! I am very passionate about 'Gay Rights' and the stance that Australia currently has on homosexuality throughout the country. I feel very passionately towards Australia being such a forward country in regards multiculturalism and the way in which it looks down upon racism, in turn, I feel very strongly also about Australia moving towards a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender friendly landscape. Therefore reading this article and understanding that through your gathered information and your provided opinion, that you indeed feel Australia should move towards this landscape, was very empowering and a wonderful read.
I especially appreciated and enjoyed in your last paragraph where you stated "We should challenge stereotypical thinking, acknowledge and affirm the right of each individual to be who they are without fear of discrimination, harassment or violence". I actually did one of my entries on the particular Sydney Morning Herald article that you used, and I would just like to further add this point i found in an academic writing piece to do with the reasons behind the development of discrimination towards homosexuality throughout schools. Catholic schools condemn any form of reference to homosexuality, let alone homosexuals themselves. The only time in which the term is used throughout the catholic education system is when the point is being made that this type of behaviour is wrong and not acceptable. On the other hand you have advocated for homosexual rights whom are claiming that schools are unfit environments for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender pupils as they are highly subject to discrimination.
Griffin, P. & Oullett, M. (2010). Equity and Excellence in Education: From Silence to Safety and Beyond: Historical Trends in Addressing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Isssues in K-12 Schools. Retrieved: October 19, 2013, from http://www.tandfonline.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/doi/pdf/10.1080/10665680303508