Make schools gay-inclusive, says group

A group of New Brunswick educators is looking to improve how schools handle gay students, teachers, and their families.

The group called Pride in Education, or P.I.E., contends inclusive schools would help reduce bullying - a problem the province has been struggling with.

There have been several stories of bullying in recent months, including a Fredericton teen being pulled out of school by his parents after being subjected to months of harassment by another student, and a 15-year-old boy being charged with assault with a weapon after a 14-year-old girl's hair was set on fire in a Saint John school's classroom.

'Gay youth do not necessarily feel included, or welcomed, or affirmed in our schools.' —Shawn Corey, provincial chair of P.I.E.

Education Minister Jody Carr has promised the New Brunswick government will introduce new legislation this spring to crack down on bullying.

Encouraging inclusive practices in the everyday routine of schools could help, said Shawn Corey, P.I.E.'s provincial chair and a teacher at Sir James Dunn Academy in St. Andrews.

It could be as simple ensuring there are books about different sexual orientations stacked on library shelves, or hosting a gay-straight alliance to create a supportive peer group, he said.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) "youth are up to seven times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers," said Corey.

"So clearly, gay youth do not necessarily feel included, or welcomed, or affirmed in our schools."

Teachers as role models

Having openly gay teachers could also help, said Corey, who is straight, but has a sister in a same sex marriage.

It’s "very important in terms of providing role models for LGBTQ youth and modeling diversity and acceptance and open-mindedness for everyone," he said.

P.I.E. is making strides, said Corey, noting there are now 23 gay-straight alliances in the province.

When the group was founded a few years ago, there was just one.

Education department officials are still drafting the new anti-bullying legislation, based on the recommendations of a ministerial advisory committee on bullying. But the minister has said there must be consequences for repeat bullies.

Jody Carr has also said legislation is just one of the methods he will use to reduce bullying in New Brunswick schools.

He also wants to make sure successful anti-bullying programs are available across the province and wants to see school advisory committees get more involved.