We would like to advocate for stricter school laws and better teachings against sexism, homophobia, racism, and bigotry. Such as the implementation of campaigns, open discussions, and seminars, and respective punishments to different forms of discrimination. 

In the absence of effective implementation and monitoring, many LGBT youth continue to experience bullying and harassment in school. The adverse treatment they experience from peers and teachers is compounded by discriminatory policies that stigmatize and disadvantage LGBT students and by the lack of information and resources about LGBT issues available in schools. (Human Rights Watch, 2017)

Racism is an issue that can lead to severe psychological distress, academic challenges, and a sense of isolation for those targeted. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 20% of students have reported being bullied due to race or ethnicity. This is a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this issue head-on. 

The discussion paper, “Early Harm, Lasting Impact: The Effect of Parental Violence on Educational Outcomes Among Filipino Children,” draws on data from the Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child to examine how early exposure to physical and emotional violence shapes children’s education outcomes over time. The authors—Aaron Carlos G. Manuel, Lyle Daryll D. Casas, and Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep—found that nearly four in ten Filipino children (39.5%) experienced violence from their parents at age 10.

Let us all stand up, speak out, and act against discrimination. Together, we can make our school a safe, welcoming, and inclusive home for everyone.