Rome, July 11, 2014
This morning, at the Ministry of Education, University and Research, Minister Stefania Giannini met with the associations Agedo, Arcigay, ArciLesbica, the Radical Association Certain Rights, the Mario Mieli Gay Culture Circle, Equality Italia, Famiglie Arcobaleno, the Gay Center, and MIT.
The associations emphasized the seriousness of homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools and the need for positive action to promote a culture of respect and diversity. They submitted a detailed document requesting, among other things, a specific date for the start of a training course for senior Ministry officials, as already envisioned in the Education and Training Axis of the National Strategy, for the prevention and counteraction of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and careful monitoring of the extent and severity of the phenomenon to help plan appropriate future interventions.
The Minister has committed to relaunching the National Strategy within the Education Axis, to starting training for senior figures in regional and provincial school boards next fall, and to including the fight against homophobia and transphobia as a central theme for the 2014-15 school year during the "Week Against Violence and Discrimination.".
It has also committed to more frequent discussions with LGBT associations regarding the drafting of new guidelines on combating bullying and cyberbullying, as do other associations that already collaborate with the Ministry.
The Associations appreciate the commitments made by the Minister and will ensure that they are kept.
Signatories:
Agedo, Arcigay, ArciLesbica, Radical Association Certain Rights, Mario Mieli Homosexual Cultural Circle, Equality Italy, Rainbow Families, Gay Center, MIT
