MR: Equality Tasmania says Parents Expect Schools Free of Discrimination
Michael Barnett OAM
From: Rodney Croome <rodney...@equal.org.au>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 at 14:07
Subject: MR: Equality Tasmania says Parents Expect Schools Free of Discrimination
To: Ash Russell (they/them) <ash.r...@equalitytasmania.org.au>
Media Release
Saturday October 25th 2025
Equality Tasmania Says Parents Expect Schools Free of Discrimination – Urge Tas Gov to Maintain Commitment to Inclusive Education
Equality Tasmania says parents want Tasmania schools that are free of discrimination and has called on the State Government to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive education.
According to a report in the Australian newspaper, Tasmanian schools have been accused of teaching students about gender identities and not informing parents.
Equality Tasmania President, Dr Ash Russell, said, “Tasmanian parents expect their child’s school to be free of bullying and discrimination because this makes school a better learning environment.”
“Parents also want their children to be taught respect for other people, including those who are different.”
“It is essential schools affirm trans and gender diverse students because of the high levels of mental distress among those students caused by stigma and discrimination.”
“We support parents being informed about what their children are taught and support the education department’s current guidelines on this issue.”
Dr Russell rejected claims made in The Australian’s recent article, “Secrecy rules as children taught gender ideology”, saying the article misrepresents sex education programs and fuels unnecessary fear about support for transgender and gender diverse students.
“The article perpetuates harmful myths about what is taught in schools and undermines the rights of young people to feel safe, seen, and supported.”
“Tasmanian schools are teaching safe, evidence-based, and much-needed sexual health education, and they are doing so in an inclusive way so all students are supported.”
“Tasmanian anti-discrimination law requires schools to support students of all genders and that the Department of Education provides guidance to ensure schools meet these legal obligations."
“We support parents being informed about what their children are taught and support the education department’s current guidelines on this issue.”
“The suggestion that schools are hiding information from parents is misleading and inflammatory. Schools work with families every day to support students, including those exploring their gender identity.”
Dr Russell urged the Tasmanian Government to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive education and to reject attempts to roll back funding for child-safe education providers such as Family Planning Tasmania, and to reject further attacks on policies that protect LGBTIQA+ students.
“We will continue to stand with young people, their families, and educators who are doing the vital work of building safe and inclusive school communities,” Dr Russell said.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Dr Ash Russell on 0447 378 689.