Youth Advocate States Homophobia and Transphobia "A Serious and Systemic Issue.'

 

CREDIT: publicschoolsbranch/Facebook

Marvin Bernstein, Prince Edward Island's child and youth advocate has explained there is "a serious and systemic issue" when it comes to homophobia and transphobia in Island schools.

"What we're hearing from some of the young people is that some of the teachers have just given up, that there is a culture of complacency and we've heard that some of these incidents have been occurring for years."

He said some parents have told him stories of children who no longer sleep in their own beds, anxious about the idea of school.

Some have even told him "their happy, joyful, sweet child is now suicidal."

Bernstein has explained that students need to know they can voice concerns that will be taken seriously.

He has said that legal counsel has shut down a meeting that was in place to address a form of public reporting.

He hasn't received substantial information since then.

"We're just waiting to receive the report, like everybody else, to understand what the findings, what the recommendations were."

"We don't really find ourselves in a position where we can provide input or influence the direction of that particular examination."

The discrimination incidents reported were "very serious."

"We really appreciate the courage and the confidence that young people are expressing in our office in terms of coming forward and raising those concerns."

The query has been raised that parents need to know who to speak to when their child is being discriminated against.

He also believes educators who are supporting discriminated children should be recognised.

"We need to kind of be balanced and recognise those positive contributions. But at the same time, we can't sugar-coat some of these negative experiences that are being undergone by children d youth within this province."

"We need to find a way to keep them safe in learning environments. This isn't acceptable, and there's a collective responsibility in all of us to see these changes happen."

Prince Edward Island is located in Canada.