A new student survey suggests educators should include more positive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender references in the curriculum and culture at Hamilton's public high schools.

Hamilton's public high school students reported that diverse groups, such as the LGBTQ community, often aren't part of course content or school publications.

A preliminary review of the data also suggests students in the LGBTQ and aboriginal communities may be more at risk of being bullied and facing emotional problems that stand in the way of graduation.

All students in Grade 10 and 11 were invited to participate in the online questionnaire last spring, the first of its kind for the public board. The results were presented at a board meeting last night.

The findings from the survey, called the Student Equity Inventory, are based on the responses from 1,588 students, about 20 per cent of students in those grades.

They were asked to identify their culture, faith and sexual orientation, then asked about their perspectives on their academic progress, school climate, aspirations and experience with discrimination.

John Malloy, director of education for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, said the findings are significant because they capture student experience and provide direction on how the board can better create safe and inclusive environments for students.

Curriculum is a good area of focus, said Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada,a national organization committed to advancing rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people.

"If you are the child of queer parents, there is nothing that reflects your family currently in the curriculum," she said. "It's a very reaffirming, empowering thing to know that your school is addressing homophobia and transphobia. It allows students to feel safe in that environment ... (and) fosters a climate of inclusivity."

Some other key findings include:

* The need for more overall attention to diversity. About 64 per cent of students who reported being bullied said it was related to their identity, such as their culture or sexual orientation.

* The need to educate special education students about their learning profiles so they can better advocate for their academic needs.

To view the report, go to hwdsb.on.ca and click the Student tab. The report is under the What's New? heading.

cprete@thespec.com

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