Toulouse. An observatory to fight homophobia at school
Homophobic and transphobic attacks are on the increase at school. To fight against these acts of hatred and discrimination, an academic observatory of LGBT + phobias is installed this Monday, October 18 at the rectorate of the Toulouse academy.
18% of high school or LGBT students say they have been insulted in their school (figure from the Ministry of National Education, 2019). In 2019, the SOS Homophobie association recorded a 38% increase in reports of homophobic or transphobic acts in schools. Faced with this observation, the government launched a National Action Plan for equality, against hatred and anti LGBT + discrimination in October 2020.
As part of this national plan, Mostafa Fourar, rector ofToulouse academy, installed this Monday, October 18, an Academic Observatory of LGBT + phobias, within the rectorate itself. In Toulouse, this body, made up of 14 members from civil society, aims to better identify homophobia and transphobia at school. And also, to support and promote LGBT + students. For this, it meets twice by one to establish findings and initiate concrete actions.
“The Education Code clearly states that the School includes among its missions that of providing the conditions for a serene school climate and a protective framework for students and staff. Preventing manifestations of homophobia and transphobia within the confines of schools is an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of students and equal opportunities for all, ”explains Mostafa Fourar.