It’s been a busy week: a national conversation has begun, media attention has increased, more petitions have been created, and schools have sent out more letters! We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has shown their support, shared their stories, and become involved with the movement to make schools more inclusive, diverse and accepting.

A few schools – including Abbotsleigh – have now released letters of apology regarding their support of the open letter. It is wonderful that heads of schools are reaching out to their communities and that they are willing to listen to feedback. It is disappointing to see, however, that no signatory school has yet explicitly rescinded their support of the open letter. If they truly do not agree with the discriminatory exemptions for which the letter advocates, they should follow through with a revocation of their support. We will therefore be going ahead with our plan to give this petition to the school this week.

Regardless of any decisions made by the schools, the Let’s Educate Equality march will still be taking place on Saturday 10th of November. This peaceful demonstration aims to show solidarity with LGBTIQA+ staff and students and to spread the message that every school should be a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination. This is not a school-specific protest and we welcome everybody to attend!

Details:

• When: 9:30 AM
• Starting at: Wahroonga Park
• We encourage attendees to take public transport as the protest will begin very close to Wahroonga Train Station.
• T-Shirts that have been purchased online will be available for pick-up from the park.
• Please remember that this is a peaceful and respectful march and there may be children in attendance.
• Attendees must follow traffic/safety directions and keep to footpaths.
• Offensive slogans, excessive noise and violence will not be tolerated. We are not expecting any counter-protestors. No bad vibes, please!
• We ask that patrons refrain from entering private property (including any schools) and from hanging any banners or signs on property that is not your own (however, you may carry them).
• There may be media presence and occasional police presence.
• Don’t forget sun protection!