{"id":2635,"date":"2026-06-17T10:58:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T09:58:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/?p=2635"},"modified":"2026-06-19T11:32:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T10:32:22","slug":"equality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/equality\/","title":{"rendered":"Equality Motions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<\/span><\/span>

Professional learning to counter disinformed narratives<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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25. Council <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM notes the Institute\u2019s existing guidance on Addressing Disinformation and Misinformation and the Disrupting Disinformation project, funded by the United Workplaces Fund. This AGM calls on Council to utilise this guidance to develop a professional learning offer for EIS Trade Union Representatives and Local Association Secretaries on strategic communications to counter far-right narratives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sharon Iddir (Fife) moved a motion in the name of Council, calling on Council to build on existing guidance to offer professional learning for reps and activists on evidence based communication that tackles prejudicial disinformation. \u201cI know personally how the spreading of false narratives can shape the public perception of whole communities. We know how quickly suspicion can replace solidarity \u2013 and that\u2019s why this motion matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire Robertson (Edinburgh and Council) seconded the motion, highlighting the threat of disinformation to democracy, as it is weaponised by the far right to sow distrust and division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The motion was further supported by speakers Irvine Tait (Shetland), Bill Ramsay (South Lanarkshire) and Andrew McNeil (Fife) before passing with overwhelming support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2018Welcome to Scotland\u2019 resources<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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26. Council <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM notes the EIS\u2019s \u2018Welcome to Scotland\u2019 resources, including \u2018Mochara Goes to Nursery\u2019 published in 2025. This AGM believes in the power of positive counter narratives to challenge far-right anti-immigration influence and therefore calls on EIS Council to expand on the ‘Welcome to Scotland\u2019 materials, including to develop a strategic, pro-immigration narrative campaign and related resources.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In successfully moving this motion, Sunita Nayyer (South Lanarkshire and Council) called on Council to expand the EIS Welcome Packs, with their positive messages of inclusion and integration and to develop a strategic, pro-immigration narrative campaign. Referencing the \u2018Mochara Goes to Nursery\u2019 story book which is provided to ELC settings free of charge, she observed that \u2018small acts of welcome shape how children see themselves\u2019 and are of even greater importance in the current context of anti-migrant narratives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunita reminded Conference that \u201ceducation does not have the luxury of neutrality,\u201d making it vital that the current materials are developed to support educators in delivering an enhanced storyline where migrants are welcomed and valued as positive contributors to communities, culture and the economy.
The motion was seconded by Julie Chrystal (Fife and Council) who reflected on her dad\u2019s experience of being an economic migrant. She spoke about the reasons that drive people\u2019s migration decisions and the trauma that can surround such an experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula McEwan (Inverclyde and Council), Amanda Murray (Aberdeen City) and Eleni Papagiannaki (ULA) all spoke in support of the motion, highlighting the importance of sharing positive narratives to dispel misinformation and of sharing good practice to enhance the experience of Scotland\u2019s newest learners. The motion was carried unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Addressing misogynistic attitudes and behaviours<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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27. Shetland Local Association <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat this AGM notes the increasing concern regarding misogynistic attitudes and behaviours among children and young people, including the influence of online content and social media, which normalises sexism, harassment and violence against women and girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM further notes that women constitute the majority of the teaching profession in Scotland and that misogynistic behaviour in schools can manifest as verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation and violence directed at female staff and pupils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM believes that tackling misogyny and violence against women and girls is essential to ensuring safe learning and working environments in schools and to upholding equality, dignity and respect for all members of the school community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This AGM therefore instructs Council to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Work with the Scottish Government, local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that clear national guidance is in place for schools on preventing and responding to misogynistic behaviour and gender\u0002based violence from early years through to senior phase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Develop and promote resources and professional learning opportunities to support teachers in challenging misogyny, sexism and harmful gender stereotypes among children and young people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Campaign for improved reporting procedures and support mechanisms for members experiencing misogyny, harassment or gender-based violence in the workplace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Advocate for appropriate curriculum resources, building upon the \u201cMany Good Men\u201d resource, to promote respectful relationships and challenge misogynistic attitudes across all stages of education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    AGM further instructs Council to report progress on this work in the future.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Sylvia Mercer (Shetland) successfully moved this motion, calling for Council to continue its programme of work by seeking improvements in system responses to misogyny and gender-based violence and continuing to develop resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pointing to the importance of support for boys who may be vulnerable to misogynistic online influences, Ms Mercer pointed to the scale of the problem, including Zero Tolerance reporting that, \u201c41% of young men still view Andrew Tate positively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Julie Chrystal (Fife) seconded the motion, noting that teachers \u201cneed resources to tackle this with confidence, without embarrassment and knowing that their trade union backs them, their government backs them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The motion was further supported by Dan Holland (FELA) and Joe Smyth (South Lanarkshire) before passing by unanimous vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Challenging misinformation about trans and non-binary students and colleagues<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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    28. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this Annual General Meeting reaffirms EIS support for UNCRC and GIRFEC principles and resolves to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. continue to collaborate with TIE to maintain up to date Professional Learning on LGBT inclusive education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. continue to promote guidance on how to challenge misinformation and disinformation about trans and non-binary students and colleagues;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. write to the Trans Rights Youth Commission pledging our continued solidarity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. contact student bodies within ITE establishments to share guidance on the support of trans and non-binary students and colleagues specific to their local context;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. share Pride dates and trans solidarity events widely and to encourage all members to attend their closest demonstrations;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      In moving this motion, Thom Kirkwood (Edinburgh), first time delegate and first time speaker, spoke about the EHRC guidance, which has recently been laid before the UK Parliament and highlighted its potentially harmful impacts upon trans, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals. Thom referenced the increasingly hostile environment in the UK for gender diverse people and outlined the ways in which the updated draft Code of Practice could be used to effectively exclude trans and non-binary people, intersex people and gender non-conforming individuals from public spaces. Thom drew attention to the false division between trans rights and women\u2019s rights and soberingly outlined the fall of the UK in the European ILGA Map rankings. They also described the \u2018fear agenda\u2019 which has become increasingly widespread since the publication of the Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion was seconded by Jehan Al-Azzawi (Edinburgh) who shared personal testimonies of trans children who have been refused access to toilets that align with their gender identity, speaking powerfully about some of the emotional and physical harms which can ensue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion was debated further with an opposing speaker, Donal Hurley (Clackmannanshire) and with Jonathan Thomas (Glasgow), Nicola Fisher (Glasgow), Natasha York (Scottish Borders) and Yasmin Murray (Renfrewshire) all speaking in support of the motion. The motion was carried by a large majority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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      29. Fife Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instructs Council to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the promotion of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We call upon education employers and authorities to uphold the rights of disabled learners, recognising the relationship between inclusive learning environments and fair working conditions and display the UNCRPD alongside the UNCRC in schools and education establishments, and to promote the use of both conventions within teaching and learning, including rights-based education and professional learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Amendment Inverclyde Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Para 2: Replace \u2018education employers and authorities\u2019 with \u2018local authorities\u2019 Insert \u2018and staff\u2019 after \u2018disabled learners\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Sharon Iddir (Fife) moved the amended motion, highlighting that upholding disability rights is not optional. She spoke about the experience of a colleague who requires reasonable adjustments but has to return to Occupational Health on an annual basis to ensure the adjustments remain in place, all of which adds to stress and negatively impacts wellbeing. Ms Iddir asserted that reasonable adjustments are not special favours \u2013 they are a right and they should be visibly promoted, just as the rights of children under the UNCRC are promoted. In her closing remarks, Ms Iddir said, \u201cDisabled staff deserve workplaces where rights are respected and understood. It\u2019s not just about compliance but culture change. Equality cannot exist when someone\u2019s rights are overlooked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In seconding the motion, Claire Robertson (Edinburgh) made her position clear that the UNCRPD document should not be abstract but rather it is a founding statement about entitlements. She noted that disabled members face many barriers in schools and promoting the UNCRPD is not symbolic but practical. To embed the UNCRPD, Ms Roberston stated that professional learning must be at the heart of this process through high quality, union led professional learning which promotes rights and challenges ableism by giving staff the power to challenge barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Julie Chrystal (Fife) spoke in support of the motion and highlighted that it is not always obvious that a disabled person needs a reasonable adjustment but such supports can be life changing. William Insch (Glasgow) shared his personal experience of overcoming barriers to inclusion in education and called for equality for disabled people to improve provision for pupils and staff alike. Mark Ireland (Midlothian) supported the motion, calling for greater awareness of rights-based approaches and of the autonomy of disabled persons to determine when they will access reasonable adjustments which have been provided. The motion was passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Levels of reasonable adjustments across local authorities <\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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      30. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instructs Council to investigate and report on the level of access to reasonable adjustments for members across different Local Authorities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Mark Ireland (Midlothian) successfully moved this motion calling for an investigation into the provision of reasonable adjustments across local authorities. Sharing his own experience, Ireland noted that, \u201cSimple adjustments can make a huge difference for those who require them\u2026but when it becomes something more significant, there\u2019s a huge disparity\u2026depending on what is available in your school or local authority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      First time speaker, Rachel Goddard (Midlothian) seconded the motion, pointing to a harmful culture where \u201ceducation staff give every ounce of themselves to meet the needs of their learners, but their own needs are often completely ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion was further supported by Julie Chrystal and Jillian Gillespie (both Fife) and Damian Stantchev (ULA) before passing by unanimous vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Sharon Iddir (Fife) moved a motion in the name of Council, calling on Council to build on existing guidance to offer professional learning for reps and activists on evidence based communication that tackles prejudicial disinformation. \u201cI know personally how the spreading of false narratives can shape the public perception of whole communities. We know how […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2909,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2635"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2993,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions\/2993"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}