Auckland Grammar School headmaster Tim O'Connor Tacitly acknowledging that it has a culture of homophobia amongst students and possibly some staff, Auckland Grammar School has responded in an up-beat manner to allegations of on-going homophobia at the prestigious and high-achieving school. Its brief response, which does not deny the allegations or address any of the specifics of multiple claims which are being voiced, comes after a number of gay pupils and ex-pupils posted criticisms the school's culture abuse and homophobic slurs. Headmaster Tim O'Connor has acknowledged it is "the school’s core responsibility and an on-going exercise to promote attitudes and behaviour in its students that reflect the School’s values. This includes teaching young men sensitivity towards and acceptance of the rights of others in our diverse society." He says a "student-led Social Awareness Committee" has had discussions with one of the complainants in September "over ways the school could address issues faced by BGLTQ students. I am pleased that we will have an opportunity to build on these 2015 initiatives.” O'Connor says “discussions with Old Boys like 2012 Head Prefect, Joel Bateman," a gay ex-pupil, "are key to the School utilising the experiences of young Old Boys to improve today’s School environment for all young men. We are appreciative of such support.” [If you have experiences of homophobia at school which you would like to add to our coverage of this issue please email us, in confidence if you wish, at news@gaynz.com]
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 10th January 2016 - 8:28am