LGBT+ school pupils are twice as likely to have been bullied and 91% have heard negative language about being LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) in the past year – Just Like Us.
Inclusivity in schools is key as it creates an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background, abilities, or differences. This also extends to staff members and leadership teams.
The importance of Inclusivity and Diversity in school
Diversity and inclusivity are vital elements that should be driven into every educational setting.
Actively standing up for DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity) in your school is paramount to maintaining an attractive and engaging organisation and environment.
Are you looking to improve inclusivity in your school? Need help educating and raising awareness with students and staff? Read on!
What are the benefits of creating an inclusive school environment?
- Equal Opportunities: Inclusive schools ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities, resources, and support. Promoting fairness, eliminating discrimination, allowing every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Diversity Appreciation: Inclusive schools celebrate diversity and therefore have a culture of acceptance and respect for various cultures, ethnicities, religions, languages, and backgrounds.
- Positive Learning Environment: Inclusive schools create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, and supported. When students feel accepted, they are more likely to engage actively in their learning, express their ideas, and develop their full potential.
- Academic Achievement: Inclusive education has been shown to positively impact academic achievement for all students. Diverse learners benefit from exposure to different perspectives, collaboration with peers of varying abilities, and tailored support that meets their individual needs.
- Social and Emotional Development: Inclusive schools prioritise the social and emotional development of students. By fostering inclusive practices, schools promote empathy, compassion, and understanding among students.
- Reduction of Bullying and Discrimination: Inclusive schools actively address bullying, discrimination, and prejudice. By promoting inclusivity, schools create a culture of respect and empathy, encouraging a safe environment.
- Preparation for a Diverse Society: Inclusive schools prepare students for a diverse society by equipping them with the skills needed to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds. This prepares students to become inclusive in their future endeavours.
…And so much more.
It’s important for schools to actively promote inclusivity through policies, curriculum, teaching strategies, and supportive sessions/groups. By embracing and celebrating diversity, schools can create an inclusive educational experience that benefits all students and staff and prepares them for a diverse out-of-school experience.
How does your school stand up for diversity & inclusion?
As June is Pride Month – a month dedicated to celebrating diversity, equality and inclusion… What better time to focus on these topics in your school?! It’s so important to educate your students on the importance of Pride, fight the stigmas surrounding LGBTQ2+ identities, and ensure you are creating an educational environment that embraces each and every individual.
Have you considered booking an LGBTQ2+ Diversity speaker for your school?
“Positive LGBTQ2+ Messaging in Schools is Linked to Improved Mental Health” – Just Like Us
A great way to start the process of increasing diversity and inclusion awareness for students (and staff) is a powerful speaker that will educate, but also provide a safe space to discuss these topics.
The Make Life Kind School Speakers
Have you heard of our Make Life Kind School Speakers?
Through our partner company, Milk Education, we are working together to create kind and safe educational environments through our Make Life Kind Movement.
Click here to read our mission, values and goals.
Our speakers have been booked out during Pride Month and are getting booked up throughout the year… schools are getting serious about implementing diversity and inclusion into their curriculum.
Some of our diversity & inclusion speakers:
Charlie Butcher
Charlie bravely transitioned whilst he was in secondary school. Having been through his journey at a young age, he understands the complex relationship between LGBTQ2+ matters and mental health and wants to erase the stigma in the younger generations about people within the LGBTQ+ community.
Alyx Steele
Alyx is a Liverpool-born dancer, choreographer, and life coach – passionate about challenging boundaries and inspiring young people. Being a gay woman in a creative industry – Alyx is passionate about being your true and authentic self.
Freya Levy
In 2010, Freya was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that causes weakness and loss of muscle mass. Faced with the challenges of living with a disability, Freya had to find a new focus, a new sport – and that’s what she came across Wheelchair Basketball.
Find out more about them and their stories on our Make Life Kind podcast below…
Our LGBTQ2+ diversity ambassadors and proud members of the community, have been partnering with us throughout the year to raise awareness of stigmatised topics and the way schools talk about these themes.
Interested in booking one of our diversity speakers? Drop us a call on 0113 418 0500 or email info@mlk-search.co.uk
Want to know more? Email us and ask for our full speaker brochure!
Speaking about LGBTQ2+ topics, and creating an environment that supports and celebrates diversity & inclusivity is so important.
If you need support implementing these tips, or creating a DEI strategy… get in touch with us.
