Admissions SIG Report – Do you have your ducks in a row?

On Tuesday 16 May 2017, the NSW Chapter of Educate Plus held a Special Interest Group at Ascham in Sydney.  David Ford, of Emil Ford Lawyers, presented a summary of his paper Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Students to over 50 guests.

The key message for schools and those who work in them related to the overarching duty of care to all their students in all area of school life and particularly for those who identify as LGBTI.  David also explored Australian and NSW anti-discrimination legislation to demonstrate what could be unlawful discrimination in the school’s enrolment processes and in its communications and dealings with LGBTI students.

David’s thorough and very informative session provided the group with important ‘takeaways’ including:  be ready with policy and procedures for your organisation; be ready with trained staff who understand and are able to communicate your policy clearly and be readybecause every school will need to be . . . get your ducks in a row now!

David Ford’s full paper can be downloaded at http://www.emilford.com.au/education-schools/free-education-law-papers-and-resources/

Thank you to Ascham for their hospitality and support with this SIG, and to Jo Hutchens and Myfanwy Stanfield for organising another wonderful event.