Two Meath schools, O’Carolan College, Nobber and St Peter’s College, Dunboyne, have been awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The post-primary schools recently finished an 18-month journey embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion across their people, policies and practices.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation. Students, teachers and principals from 37 schools came together to receive their award at a celebratory event at The Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.
Over the course of 18 months, schools are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improves the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark was created with support from Google.org.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students. In Ireland, 76 per cent of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school. The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark have worked tirelessly to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported.
Speaking at the event, Jack Chambers, Minister of State and TD for Dublin West, said: “I am delighted to join students, teachers and principals from schools across Ireland as they receive their LGBTQ+ Quality Mark today. Belong To’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognises the importance of schools being places where members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and supported.
“We know that a supportive school environment can have a hugely beneficial impact on the wellbeing and attainment of LGBTQ+ students. Together, we need to address the anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination that remains prevalent in our society. The Government is committed to ensuring the safety, equality and inclusion of all students, including our LGBTQ+ students, by creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for all.”
Niamh Molloy teacher at St Peter’s College said: “St Peter’s College is delighted to receive the Q mark as recognition of the hard work undertaken by the Diversity committee to make our school more welcoming and inclusive for all students.
“Through the commitment of staff and students involved in the committee, LGBTQ+ students now have identifiable support in our school community and a forum to raise any issues of concern. The Q mark initiative is important as it gives schools a clear framework to support their work in improving students sense of belonging in school.”
Moninne Griffith, CEO, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland said: “School can be a difficult place for LGBTQ+ students, but that does not have to be the case. There are outstanding schools committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students – including O’Carolan College and St Peter’s College in Meath.
“The positive impact of inclusion and visibility allows students to live healthy lives and thrive at school. Today is about celebrating O’Carolan College and St Peter’s College who have shown leadership and outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through participation in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. I want to thank the entire school community and, in particular, recognise the incredible efforts of the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark coordinators and school principals.
“Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ+ students and for demonstrating commitment, courage and leadership. Congratulations to O’Carolan College and St Peter’s College for leading the way in Meath and being one of the first schools in Ireland to receive the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.”
