Schools bully victims urged to come forward / Bullying inquiry welcomed

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 2.6.09.

Gay activists have urged Tasmanian students suffering homophobic bullying to report their experiences to the Anti-Discrimination Commission.

The call comes in the wake of confirmation from Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, that school bullying is illegal under the state's anti-bias laws and perpetrators will face "legal ramifications".

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that homophobic bullying is one of the most pervasive and destructive forms of harassment in schools.

"Studies show homophobia in schools is directly linked to suicide among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, discrimination and hate crime in the wider community, and low educational outcomes for boys who associate academic achievement with effeminacy", Mr Croome said.

"Schools can be breeding grounds of hate, but we know from successful anti-homophobia programs that they can also be seed-beds tolerance and respect."

Mr Croome welcomed an inquiry into school-yard bullying to be conducted by the Anti-Discrimination Commission in co-operation with the Education Department later this year.

Ms Bolt yesterday announced the inquiry will look at the levels of bullying in Tasmanian schools and why students are targeted.

An original news report can be found here,
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/06/02/77065_todays-news.html

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.