Home News Education In Pictures: Laois school celebrate diversity with ‘Stand Up’ week

In Pictures: Laois school celebrate diversity with ‘Stand Up’ week

On Friday November 19, the students and staff of Mountrath Community School marked ‘Stand Up’ week.

By wearing different coloured jumpers, the school community came together to make a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

Ms Monica White, deputy principal, said that it is such an important day to promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion in the school.

She said: “It was wonderful to see the effort made by students and staff to wear all the colours of the rainbow.

“It was a very successful day. And enjoyed by all.”

According to BeLonG To, the group who organise the week, almost three quarters of LGBTI+ students feel unsafe in school.

They said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is a time for second-level schools, youth services, and Youthreach Centres in Ireland to join us and take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

“The week is an opportunity for schools to look at how they can make them safe and supportive places for LGBTI+ students.

“It is unacceptable that one in five young LGBTI+ people face bullying, and that 73% of young LGBTI+ students feel unsafe at school.

“At BeLonG To, we are working hard to educate and train the entire school community around supporting LGBTI+ young people.”

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