Research 2009 - 2011
The First National Climate Survey of Homophobia in Canadian Schools
Catherine Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor, Faculty of Education and Department of Rhetoric, Writing and Communications
Most schools in Canada have realized that they need to address cultural differences; that children learn best when they see themselves reflected in the curriculum, and when they feel safe and respected in their schools. However gay and lesbian students have been left out of that equation and they are suffering. Dr. Catherine Taylor intends to change that. She has undertaken a remarkable national survey of homophobia – the first study of its kind in Canada.
The Internet-based, student survey asks students about experiences of homophobia and institutional responses to such incidents. Youth from Victoria to St. John’s to Iqaluit have completed the survey. Every school board across the country was invited to take part, though not all agreed. “We have a selection of school boards from every part of the country participating, important for statistical and data analysis purposes. For consciousness raising purposes, though, it would be great if every school would do it in every grade.”
The results will be analyzed and shared across the nation. Thus far, the data clearly shows that there is less bullying and harassment in divisions that have implemented an inclusive safe schools policy.
“There is so much fear associated with this issue,” says Taylor “but until now, there has not been a commanding, Canadian, body of empirical evidence to motivate action. What really needs to happen is that Ministries of Education across the country acknowledge that this is a serious problem and that there is an ethical obligation to do something about it. My hope is that the results of this research will compel a response.”
Although she expects to encounter resistance along the way, Dr. Taylor is very confident and optimistic about the outcomes of this work. “The reason it’s called the first national climate survey is that I intend to see a second. Change will happen.”