📣 Day 21: Uncovering Gender Ideology in our esteemed UK educational institutions 🌈
As part of our Pride Month exploration, we're heading far north to the beautiful region of Scotland.
Get ready for a thread!👇 #PrideMonth @educationgovuk
George Watson's College @GWC_News, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a private day school that provides co-educational instruction for students ranging from 3 to 18 years old.
Since 2014, Melvyn Roffe @roffeme has led George Watson's College as Principal, following his tenure at Wymondham College. A Durham and York University graduate, he also currently chairs the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).
Watsons may just take the cake for being the school that is most enthusiastic about advocating for LGBTQ sexual and gender identities. Their policies? Well, they might just be the most groundbreaking, avant-garde, and absolutely unorthodox ones I've ever laid eyes on
George Watson's identifies as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, establishing its policies according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite this, some of these policies may infringe on parental rights as recognised by UK and Scots law.
The UNCRC is an international treaty outlining children's rights: Right to life, protection, and development. Non-discrimination and best interests considered. Participation, education, health, and protection from violence.
Peter Newell and Rachel Hodgkin, his partner, prepared The Implementation Handbook for the Convention on the Rights of the Child on behalf of UNICEF. digitallibrary.un.org/record/620060?…
Peter Newell, a leading advocate in the UK for banning child smacking, was convicted of raping a 13-year-old boy in 2018. Nonetheless, the child rights guide he co-authored is still widely used by governments globally. rb.gy/4ypne
In the same year as Newell's conviction, UNICEF acknowledged shortcomings in its handling of child victims allegedly sexually abused by peacekeepers. rb.gy/y8rw6
Despite links to a convicted pedophile, Watsons proudly declares itself a Rights Respecting School, advocating for a safe and supportive environment for all students to express their authentic selves, particularly emphasising inclusivity for those within the LGBT+ community.
Watsons takes pride in being among the few schools to receive LGBT Youth Scotland’s Gold Charter Award, signalling their practical commitment to recognising and addressing the needs of their LGBT students.
The LGBT Youth Scotland’s Charter is an online program that empowers schools to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion for staff and students, encompassing inclusive teaching, understanding LGBTQ+ experiences, and supporting all identities within the gender and sexuality spectrum.
The LGBT Charter of Rights is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The school has introduced changes such as trouser options for girls, gender-neutral toilets, rebranding 'Head Boy/Girl' to 'School Captains', and diversifying library books to reflect varied relationships and identities.
Watsons highlights its LGBT+ Discuss group as a jewel in its rainbow crown. Established in 2015, this group, under the leadership of Megan Hamilton-Wylie, provides a safe space for discussions beyond the curriculum, fostering significant change within the school.
The website recounts the experience of a student who, after coming out last year, initially faced hesitations but ultimately found acceptance at Watson's. Thanks to the LGBT group, she has formed new friendships and comfortably shares her preferred pronouns as she/her.
According to their website the staff at Watson's demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting LGBT+ students, continuously improving their understanding of relevant terminology and offering guidance for students who identify as LGBT+.
The school's commitment to inclusivity is highlighted by their transgender training - a webinar for staff hosted by LGBT Youth Scotland. It covered topics like supporting trans students and navigating transitioning within a school setting, as well as key policy and legislation.
During the session, they emphasized the gravity of suicide and urged staff to prioritize children's rights, even when it may conflict with parental concerns. A complete transcript of the session is available through For Women Scotland @ForWomenScot. rb.gy/z3w4o
The HMC @HMC_Org is a significant advocate for the LGBT movement, promoting participation in LGBTQ calendar events like Pride and LGBTQ History Month among its member schools.
Earlier this year, Melvyn, as the HMC head, organized a conference featuring trans activist Bobbi Pickard. Private school headteachers were advised on supporting students with gender dysphoria by this trans activist and ex-trustee of Mermaids.
Unsurprisingly, Bobbi Pickard considers Peter Tatchell to be her hero. 🤨
Peter Tatchell recap 😃
@BayswaterSG , representing 600 families with trans-identifying children, expressed concerns about the oversimplified and glamorised portrayal of gender dysphoria at the HMC conference, arguing it overlooked the complexities highlighted in the NHS Cass Review.
The group queried the applicability of perspectives from a late-transitioning man on the complexities of adolescent girls' gender dysphoria. They criticised HMC for lacking the nuanced approach suggested by the Cass Review. More Info here: rb.gy/63475
Regardless, Watsons continues its Pride Parade celebrations this year, complete with a Skittles sale. Let's all join in and taste the rainbow!
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