It is now over 1 year since the launch of our petition and since we published an open letter to the IBO. Since then, a lot has happened, but ultimately, nothing actionable from IBO has occurred. We have been dismissed in emails, and we have been dismissed in invitations to open meetings, as their suggestion for a meeting between the BBIS Social Justice Committee and the IBO never ended up happening after months of back and forths and changes in communication leadership at the IB. 

As a result, the BBIS Social Justice Committee and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance held an open virtual meeting with students, educators, leaders and consultants around the world on 8 May 2024. Unfortunately, the IBO did not even have the decency to show up and listen.

94 people signed up from 26 different countries around the world, and an update was provided to those who attended. In addition, there was open dialogue about what needs to happen and what needs to change in order for our LGBTQ+ students (and staff) to feel supported and affirmed in international schools. Accreditation was brought up, as was governance, but ultimately, because the IB is often at the forefront of our minds as students, as well as the specific curriculum we are taught, with explicit links to being open-minded global citizens, it is where our fight continues. 

The IB cannot shy away from its duties to support the very students who are paying money for their framework. We do not appreciate that the IB is taking our money and virtue signalling with a learner profile, and "inclusive" policies, and DEIJ statements that are not postitively and directly impacting us.

Please continue to sign and share our petition. This work is not over.