GLSEN Statement on Education Ministers’ Global Call to Action to End Anti-L

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Kari Hudnell Media Relations Manager press@glsen.org 646-388-6575 

GLSEN Statement on Education Ministers’ Global Call to Action to End Anti-LGBT Violence in Education

NEW YORK (May 18, 2016) – GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, made the following statement in response to the global Call to Action issued at the International Ministerial Meeting on Education Sector Responses to Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression, held this week by UNESCO in Paris. The Call to Action urges governments to implement responses to the issue of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) violence in schools, including policy, inclusive curricula, professional development for educators and ongoing evaluation of the effect of interventions.

“This afternoon at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the international movement to improve the lives of LGBT youth took a huge leap forward. The Ministerial Call to Action issued today provides a formula for progress well known to GLSEN and other organizations that have led this effort for years. Governments and education ministries around the world now stand behind on-going efforts to improve schools and educational opportunity by eliminating anti-LGBT bias and violence in education.

“This UNESCO meeting marks a milestone in GLSEN's international work which formally began at UNESCO's historic International Consultation on Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying in Schools in 2011. Since then, GLSEN and UNESCO have worked together to ensure that LGBT issues take their rightful place on the global agenda to ensure universal access to ‘equitable quality education.’ Through our international initiative, GLSEN is building the evidence-base for action on LGBT issues in education around the world, advocating for these issues with international institutions and governments, and building the strength of civil society organizations accountable to the LGBT community. We call on all governments and communities around the world to commit to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education and equal access to educational opportunities by opposing discrimination and violence based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.”

GLSEN’s international initiative provides strategic consulting, technical assistance, and financial support to international regional consortia of community organizations to develop their research, advocacy and programming capacity to improve the lives and educational attainment of youth and eliminate anti-LGBT bias and violence in schools. GLSEN’s work is rooted in organizational partnerships designed to generate knowledge and capacity responsive and accountable to the needs of the local community.  

About GLSEN

GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.