Bishops plan guide: promoting diversity in Catholic schools!

Bishops plan guide: promoting diversity in Catholic schools!

In recent months, the Catholic Church has intensively addressed the question of how it can meet the challenges of sexual diversity in its schools. As part of the synodal path reform debates, central topics such as gender, sex and queerness were discussed. The Bishops' School Commission, led by Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers, has drafted a 20-page paper that is intended to serve as a guide for dealing with sexual identity in Catholic schools. Loud katholisch.de The majority of respondents to the online survey, in which 2,000 students, teachers and parents took part, see dealing with “diversity of sexual identities” as an important task.

The need to also offer a space for non-binary and non-heterosexual young people is clearly emphasized. Approximately 20% of participants reported discrimination suffered by queer students. Given these circumstances, the paper calls for increased awareness and awareness of the needs of this group of students. The opportunity to better deal with one's own sexual orientation and gender identity is seen as crucial. However, the paper itself does not refer to gender-altering medical procedures, which has sparked controversial discussion in the Permanent Council, as reported by the anti-discrimination agency emerges.

The context of the school debate

Social diversity is also reflected in schools, which is reflected in the educational plans of the various federal states. According to the Anti-Discrimination Agency, 90% of the population believe that schools should promote acceptance of homosexual and bisexual people. In reality, however, two thirds of young people are afraid to come out. Many teachers also keep their LGBTIQ* identity hidden in everyday school life. This clearly shows how important it is that schools function as places of well-being and are perceived as such LSVD emphasized.

In a climate in which discriminatory language such as “gay” is common in schoolyards, a rethink is necessary. Schools must act proactively against such prejudices and promote knowledge about sexual and gender diversity. A mandatory integration of these topics into the curricula is essential in order to increase acceptance and counteract exclusion.

Recommendations and scope for action

The school commission's new paper contains, among other things, recommendations for action for teachers, students and school management. Gender-appropriate language and the appointment of qualified contact persons for sexual and gender diversity are recommended. Mandatory further training for teachers could also be a good step in the right direction. Most citizens support such efforts and want schools that promote respectful cooperation.

Overall, the introduction of guidelines on sexual diversity in Catholic schools is a step that could not only strengthen the school community, but also send a signal for social acceptance and the right to an individual, diverse identity. School should be a place where every student can find certainty about their sexual orientation and gender identity and can develop in a protected environment.