Created on: 25 Feb 2025
The EIS has marked anti-bullying day and issued a statement which highlights its commitment to supporting the rights of LGBT and transgender people, at a time when these rights are increasingly being threatened across the globe:
“The EIS is committed to high standards of education, rooted in equality and inclusion. All learners have a right to learn, and teachers and lecturers a right to work, in an educational establishment that is free from discrimination and harassment, where they can be themselves and have equal opportunity to flourish.
LGBT Inclusive Education is a landmark commitment in Scotland, at a time when LGBT rights are under threat in many countries across the world. It promotes feelings of belonging for LGBT children and young people in seeing their identities reflected at school.
But we still have a long way to go to ensure every child and young person growing up in Scotland will live their lives free from discrimination and inequality.
Transgender people in Scotland sadly still experience discrimination and inequality simply because of who they are. In 2017, LGBT Youth Scotland found 82% of trans young people experienced bullying in school.
It is deeply concerning to the EIS that in 2025 misinformation continues to be spread in relation to gender recognition and transgender people’s rights.
Transgender people have always existed and being transgender is not a health and safety concern in and of itself as recent narratives have sought to portray. The EIS is clear that risks to women’s equality and safety are not the fault of trans people.
We are clear that the risks continue to emanate from what is a patriarchal society in which women and girls continue to experience gender inequality, discrimination and stereotyping, as do gender non -conforming people. Misogyny is at the root of this.
The EIS firmly believes that the continuation of essential efforts to tackle sexism and misogyny should neither advertently nor inadvertently demonise or deny rights to transgender people.
The EIS will continue to advocate for high standards of education, with an inclusive curriculum reflecting the diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences of all members of our society, including our teachers, fellow education professionals, learners and their families.
As we celebrate anti-bullying day today, we send a message of unequivocal support and solidarity to transgender people in our schools, colleges, universities and unions: you are equally valued students and colleagues in the eyes of the EIS, and we will continue to stand up for an Education system that’s rooted in social justice, respect and dignity, and equality for all.”