Thread by @SafeSchools_UK

Informative speech from @SuellaBraverman to @Policy_Exchange. Stella’s stated aim was to provide ‘legal clarity’ Here are some highlights from her speech where she talks of her concern at laws being ‘misinterpreted’.

#edutwitter #WomenEd

@SuellaBraverman has seen many concerning examples of inclusion being used to trump fairness & incorrect interpretations of Equality Act 2010

@SuellaBraverman is clear that in England & Wales we do not have a system of ‘self ID’ for obtaining a gender recognition certificate.

Paragraphs 26 & 27 of schedule 3 of the Equality Act 2010 are absolutely clear that discrimination is permitted in some circumstances to maintain single sex facilities.

Single sex services are for one sex only. If a biological male, regardless of how he identifies, is admitted to a women’s space it becomes mixed sex.

. @SuellaBraverman acknowledges that the challenge is particularly acute in schools as they are focused on child welfare. They must ensure that decisions they take are in the best interests of every child in their care. #edutwitter #WomenEd

. @SuellaBraverman states that socially transitioning children without their parents consent or considering how this will affect other children, is not an approach supported by law. #edutwitter #WomenEd #primaryrocks

It is lawful for single sex schools to refuse entry to children of the opposite sex regardless of how they identify - legally this can be a blanket policy. #teachertwitter #UKEdChat

. @SuellaBraverman confirms that it is perfectly lawful for schools to ban male children from the girls toilets, it is not discrimination - failure to do so could be indirect discrimination against girls. #Edutwitter #WomenEd

Males should also not be allowed into girls changing rooms, dormitories or single sex sports. #SaveWomensSports #UKEdChat #SLTChat

It is also lawful for schools to refuse to use preferred pronouns especially when this is not supported by a child’s parents or medical staff. Social transition is not a neutral act - see @thecassreview #edutwitter #WomenEd #UKEdChat

. @SuellaBraverman is absolutely clear that parents have the right to FOI for materials being used with their children, if they are refused they can make a complaint, contact @educationgovuk & ultimately go for judicial review. #edutwitter #WomenEd

We were pleased to see @SuellaBraverman mention #safeguarding - she was clear that schools can only socially transition after ALL safeguarding considerations have been explored, including the affect on other children. Gender distress can be a response to a wide range of issues.

. @SuellaBraverman states that schools have a duty of care to children, a blanket policy of socially transitioning children is in breach of this duty of care - especially if it leads to harm such as breast binding. #EduTECH2022 #edutwitter #WomenEd

Gender non conformity should be supported & gender stereotypes must be challenged. School materials must be age appropriate - it is not appropriate to tell 4 year olds they can change sex.

In response to a question from @MForstater, @SuellaBraverman states that @Ofstednews must hold school leaders refusing to follow guidance to account. Also needs to be greater awareness amongst parents & governors that they too should be challenging & holding schools to account.

Final point @SuellaBraverman says that she has clarified that parents do have a right to ask and to see the materials being used with their children. Schools must not hide behind a cloak of confidentiality.