Safe and Inclusive Schools

The ACT Safe and Inclusive Schools (SAIS) Initiative provides assistance to schools to develop and maintain safe, inclusive environments for all students regardless of their gender presentation/identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.

It enables schools and education programs in the ACT to seek assistance to develop their practice in areas such as supporting individual student need, welcoming and celebrating community and family diversity. The Initiative supports schools to build respectful school cultures where prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence on the basis of gender presentation/identity, intersex status or sexual orientation is unacceptable.

The ACT Safe and Inclusive Schools (SAIS) Initiative provides assistance to schools to develop and maintain safe, inclusive environments for all students regardless of their gender presentation/identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.

It enables schools and education programs in the ACT to seek assistance to develop their practice in areas such as supporting individual student need, welcoming and celebrating community and family diversity. The Initiative supports schools to build respectful school cultures where prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence on the basis of gender presentation/identity, intersex status or sexual orientation is unacceptable.

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at school and to feel safe and welcomed as who they are.

Why does the Safe and Inclusive Schools Initiative exist?

Same sex attracted, intersex and/or gender diverse people are part of every school community. This is the case even when they may not appear visible to everyone. Many students, parents, and educators recognise that school is a place where same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse people often experience exclusion, prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and even violence.

Education professionals understand that assisting students to have a sense of belonging as part of a safe, supportive and respectful school community, has a positive impact on education participation, attainment, health and wellbeing.

Schools already have legislative, professional and ethical responsibilities to ensure that they provide safe and inclusive environments for students, families and staff. Sometimes schools need support and advice to effectively address young people’s needs. Appropriate support and advice through the critical years can help facilitate our children and young people to grow up with the self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of worth necessary to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Find out more from the details and links below: