EI promotes non-discrimination and diversity in education
The EI Executive Board adopted a proposed Congress Resolution on Respect for Diversity at its 39th meeting, held 30 November-1st December 2011 in Brussels, Belgium.The resolution recognises “integrating respect for diversity in all its forms and the promotion of non-discrimination in education, in education unions and in societies as an imperative, as well as an enriching factor and a force for educational re-vitalisation and innovation.”
The adopted resolution reiterates that “education is a basic human right which should nurture fair treatment and respect towards all others, regardless of race, colour, language, sex, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity, finding policies and practices to overcome marginalization, prevent attitudes of fear of others and enhance inclusion for all into citizenship, work, democratic political processes and other areas of social and cultural participation.”
It also highlights that “increased mobility, migration and diversity of lifestyles, in combination with persistent and increasing marginalization, discrimination and exclusion of stigmatized groups in all societies, have become a threat to achieving social inclusion and cohesion, and the ability for all to maintain their own identity and access services and equal opportunities in society.”
Recommending that member organisationsurge the promotion and facilitation of teacher training based on criteria which promote non-discrimination, EI leaders call on affiliates to “advocate for a teaching profession which has its staff and other education personnel reflect the diversity of society.”
Affiliates should also campaign in their societies and with governments “to promote policies and practices in schools and teacher training which ascribe rights and dignity to male and female learners and educators, who are experiencing, for whatever reasons, any form of neglect, discrimination, hostility, violence, hatred, hostility, sexism, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia or transphobia.”
EI General Secretary, Fred van Leeuwen, stated: “This resolution expresses the educators’ determination worldwide to promote more supportive teaching and learning environments for gender justice, minority rights and multilingualism, where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
