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Inequality and Support for Wellbeing
25. Council
That this AGM note that groups who are at higher risk of experiencing inequality and discrimination due to their protected characteristics, may need tailored support that is informed by an understanding of inequality related trauma.
That this AGM calls on Council to:
- Develop a project to support the mental health and wellbeing of disabled, neurodivergent, LGBT, BAME and women members.
- Develop guidance for members on the impact of inequality and discrimination, on mental health and wellbeing.
- Develop learning resources on prejudice-based violence and aggression in schools.
Andrew O’Halloran (Dumfries and Galloway) in successfully moving this motion on behalf of Council, spoke about the many ways in which ill mental health can affect us all. Mr O’Halloran further raised the issue of trauma stemming from discrimination, noting that for those who experience inequality due to their protected characteristic, the impact can be much more severe.
The motion was seconded by Nikhat Yusaf (Edinburgh) who spoke powerfully on her own experience, about how our intersectional privileges and dis-privileges influence the ways in which society responds to us and in turn, shapes our mental health.
There were several speakers in support, who shared the insidious everyday impact of microaggressions, expressed solidarity with those affected and acknowledged the wealth of knowledge and support existing in minoritised communities which can help shape a tailored wellbeing offer.
Supporting Transgender Learners and Staff
26. Council
That this AGM stand in solidarity with all marginalised communities affected by inequality, affirming that all learners have a right to learn, and teachers and lecturers have a right to work in an educational establishment that is free from discrimination and harassment, where they can be themselves and flourish equally.
This AGM reaffirms:
- Its support for a self-declaration system for gender recognition and for the process to be made more accessible, recognising the detrimental impact of the current process on transgender people’s mental health and wellbeing.
- That transgender people have the right to access services and education in a manner that upholds their human rights, and is fully inclusive of their needs.
- That transgender people should be treated according to their gender identity, as far as possible – with their wellbeing, safety, and rights at the centre of associated decision making.
- That schools and teachers require clear guidance and CLPL, in the context of divisive and toxic misinformation about transgender people, to give them confidence in upholding GIRFEC for transgender learners.
This AGM therefore calls on Council to:
- Join the TUC Trade Union Alliance for Trans and Non-Binary Rights.
- Develop professional learning for members on supporting transgender learners and staff.
- Develop guidance to support schools and teachers in addressing the spread of misinformation in relation to transgender people.
Gerard Wilkie (Edinburgh) moved this motion to strong support from delegates, detailing the experience of his school becoming targeted by media misinformation in relation to their LGBT Charter status. Wilkie further raised concern that the current narrative of misinformation is reminiscent of that which surrounded Section 28/Section 2A in Scotland. Section 28 was part of a local government policy, that prevented the spending of public money to “promote homosexuality” in schools and was surrounded by widespread moral panic and disinformation about LGBT people.
Centring on lived experience of this minoritised group, Claire Robertson (Edinburgh) seconded the motion, sharing the views of transgender pupils in her school, who emphasised the importance for all children to have their identity, wishes and privacy respected, their experience of having to keep quiet to avoid bullying, and a feeling that society sacrifices transgender people’s comfort by prioritising people who are not transgender.
Speakers lined up in support of the motion, which was passed by delegates. The passing of the motion instructed Council to develop all-member professional learning and guidance on how to address misinformation and develop the EIS’s support for transgender learners and staff.
Opposing Antisemitism, Racism and Islamophobia
27. Glasgow Local Associaton
That this AGM vehemently opposes all forms of discrimination including antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia, and totally condemns any attempt to use the conflict in Palestine and Israel to promote them.
he motion called for opposition to all forms of discrimination and condemned attempts to use the conflict in Palestine and Israel to promote antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia.
In moving the motion, Nuzhat Uthmani (Glasgow) cautioned delegates that despite legislative protection, we appear to be moving backwards in a political landscape permeated by racist rhetoric, where incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia have significantly increased in the last eight months.
Andrew Fullwood (Glasgow) said, “When we are attacked for standing up for oppressed groups, we have to redouble our efforts and fight even harder.”
Reasonable Adjustments
28. Glasgow Local Association
That this AGM call on Council to campaign for improved awareness and provision of reasonable adjustments for teachers with disabilities across the country including those with ‘invisible disabilities’ such as neurodivergence and long-term mental health issues.
Amendment EIS-FELA
After “adjustments for teachers” add “and lecturers”.
William Insch, Glasgow local association delegate passionately moved motion 28 urging EIS Council to increase campaigning and awareness of reasonable adjustments for teachers and lecturers with disabilities, including those with invisible disabilities. Drawing from his own personal experiences, William said, “As teachers we differentiate and put provisions in place for our pupils. But, what is there for staff? There is little support put in place for staff with disabilities, and less so for staff whose disabilities are not always visible. Everyone, including us as teachers needs support. And we must ensure that our voice is valued, heard, and listened to.”
Seconding the motion, Shauna Richardson (Glasgow) reminded AGM that, “Disabilities are not just physical. They cannot always be seen.” Emphasising the importance of greater support and awareness for reasonable adjustments for disabled college lecturers, Eileen Imlah outlined that, “Reasonable Adjustments are continuing challenges in colleges for staff. It is so disappointing that in 2024 we are still fighting this and employers and society using the medical model of disability. The social model points out that it is society that disables people.”
Mark Allan (Midlothian) built on the theme of the inclusion of worker voice and reasonable adjustments, saying, “One of the biggest adjustments any employers or school can take on reasonable adjustments is to be listened to. Having a voice is so important.”
Under Representation in Promoted Posts
29. Renfrewshire Local Association
That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on:
- the number of disabled teachers
- the number of part-time teachers occupying promoted posts;
and to campaign to improve the prospects for those teachers if the investigation finds that they are under-represented in promoted roles.
Amendment Edinburgh Local Association
Insert “occupying promoted posts” after “disabled teachers”.
First time delegate Tracey Millar from Renfrewshire local association moves motion 29 instructing EIS Council to investigate and report on: the number of disabled teachers and the number of part-time teachers occupying promoted posts; and to campaign for improvements for under-represented groups in promoted posts across education in Scotland. Outlining the challenges and barriers, Tracey said, “The opportunity to seek promoted posts when part-time is difficult. Part-time promoted posts exist, but you can’t find them. There are lots of benefits to having people in part-time posts, and this must be celebrated.”
Speaking to the beneficiaries of part-time promoted posts, Elaine Smith from Renfrewshire Council said, “There is a pool of talent that is being lost, and massively lost because there is a lack of promoted flexible and part-time opportunities.”
Stressing the multiple inequalities that some part-time and minoritised teachers face in regards to achieving aspirations of promotion, Adela Mansur from Edinburgh local association passionately stated, “I have hoped of becoming a senior leader. It is very challenging in Scotland. Part-time teachers are not valued by local authorities, and some senior leaders. Being part-time is a barrier to promotion. Disabled workers are warriors. Disabled workers, overcome many challenges before even beginning to take on the challenges of work”
Andrew Fullwood (Glasgow) seconded the motion, which was passed by AGM.