Diocesan News10 Mar 14

Midleton College – A Church of Ireland School – Supports Stand Up! Awareness Week Against Homophobic And Transphobic Bullying

Midleton College, a Church of Ireland second level school in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross is planning an active week ahead (10 – 14 March 2014) participating in Stand Up! Awareness Week Against Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying.

This national awareness week is supported and funded by the Department of Education and Skills, and the national organisation for LGBT young people, BeLonG To, which aims to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

Midleton College Principal, Simon Thompson said:

‘Midleton College is committed to being an open, tolerant and welcoming community. The College believes that no young person should be allowed to suffer or to have their education suffer simply because of prejudice towards who they are. The objective of the ‘Stand Up’ initiative is to prevent and tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying in all schools by increasing respect for diversity and LGBT identities. This objective is one that our College seeks to live out through prioritising mutual respect and inclusivity among and between students and indeed all who work in the College. In doing so we aim to further develop a positive school culture and climate.’

Stand Up! posters will be on display around Midleton College throughout the week. The programme has already been discussed with staff members. The Student Council will discuss the main aims of the Week at its meeting on Tuesday. Class resources developed by ‘BeLonG To Youth’ will be available for use in classes throughout the week.

Bishop Paul Colton, Chairperson of the Board of Management said:

‘This initiative has my full support. Research reported as recently as this month shows that 79% of Irish teachers are aware of homophobic bullying in our schools. This is horrific. We all – especially Christians – have a role and special responsibility to play in changing this.’