LGBTQ+ students face the highest risk of discrimination, according to Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula in a talk with PAP. The next edition of the LGBT-friendly schools ranking starts on Monday.
On Monday at 10 a.m. in the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, a conference will be held with the Grow Space foundation about the fourth national edition of the LGBTQ+ Friendly Schools Ranking, under the patronage of the Minister for Equality.
This ranking highlights which schools, from the students’ perspective, are open and where acceptance, tolerance, and safety are central concerns.
— Katarzyna Kotula told PAP.
The discussion will cover what safety means in practice, what a truly safe school looks like, how a student builds trust in a school, and what spaces a school should offer to ensure students feel safe.
– she added.
Kotula noted that participants at the conference will talk about how data for the ranking will be collected, when the data will be gathered, and what the ranking will emphasize.
They will also discuss what changes in Polish schools are expected once data collection for the rankings begins.
She pointed out that among the groups facing the most challenging experiences at school are LGBT students, who may encounter unfair treatment from school authorities, peers, or due to the schools’ political climates.
– said the minister.
“Friendly and open school”
The aim is to build a school that feels welcoming to all. For LGBT youth and children with disabilities, a safe school also means a key element of suicide prevention.
– she stressed.
The foundation involved in the ranking project regularly presents reports on suicide attempts to raise awareness and drive action.
– Kotula noted.
mly/PAP