Bill Gets School Support (Press, 18 October 1985)

On 18 October 1985, the Hagley High School board of governors publicly expressed its support for the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. In a statement following their meeting, the board's chairman, Mrs Shirley Croll, articulated the board's recognition of the presence of homosexual staff and students within the school's community. She condemned the current law and acknowledged the injustice, discrimination, and derogatory social attitudes faced by homosexual individuals, highlighting the ongoing campaign of abuse and misinformation related to the Bill. Mrs Croll emphasised that the matter transcended moral considerations, framing it as a fundamental question of human rights. She contended that educational institutions should actively promote tolerance and understanding, acting as exemplars in the advocacy for human rights. According to her, schools have a crucial role in supporting diverse viewpoints and lifestyles. This stance by the Hagley High School board was notable as no other secondary school boards in Christchurch were reported to have addressed the issue at that time. Mr Malcolm Richards, the general manager of the Secondary Schools’ Council, suggested that the lack of discussions on the topic among other school boards might be due to a perceived absence of necessity to address it.

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