Limerick school recognised for LGBTQ+ inclusion

VILLIERS School has become the first in Limerick to be awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The post-primary school recently finished an 18-month journey embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion across their people, policies and practices.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation.

Students, teachers and principals from 37 schools came together to receive their award at a celebratory event at the Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.

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In Ireland, 76% of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school. The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark have worked tirelessly to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported.

Speaking at the event, Jack Chambers, Minister of State and TD for Dublin West, said: “I am delighted to join students, teachers and principals from schools across Ireland as they receive their LGBTQ+ Quality Mark today.

Belong To’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognises the importance of schools being places where members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and supported.”