UBC research finds SOGI 123 is effective for creating safer and more inclusive environments in BC schools

Today, the UBC Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre (SARAVYC) in the School of Nursing released a report outlining their evaluation of SOGI 123, a study led by Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, professor and Executive Director of SARAVYC. They shared that findings from the evaluation show that SOGI 123 has been effective in decreasing bullying and sexual orientation discrimination for both LGBQ+ students as well as for heterosexual students since being introduced in B.C. schools in 2016.

ARC Foundation was pleased to learn that through this study, SARAVYC found that SOGI 123 reduced bullying and discrimination targeted toward LGBQ+ youth above and beyond GSAs’ impacts, as well as reduced bullying and discrimination among heterosexual students.

In a news release announcing the report, Dr. Saewyc said “At a time when we are seeing anti-SOGI rhetoric and protests increasing in B.C. and elsewhere, we have also seen rates of sexual orientation discrimination rise among all girls, and remain high for LGBQ+ boys compared to 10 years ago. But where SOGI 123 or GSAs (or both) have been implemented, we have seen bullying and discrimination decrease — and the longer SOGI 123 and/or GSAs have been in a school, the greater their impact on reducing bullying or discrimination.”

Encouragingly, results also suggest that continued implementation of SOGI 123 over time will improve results even further, and that the training and support for school staff provided by SOGI 123 helps reduce bullying and discrimination in schools, for both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual students.

“We regularly hear from our SOGI Educator Network, both informally and through our annual educator surveys, that the tools, resources and supports available through SOGI 123 are helping them create safer and more inclusive classrooms for their students,” shared Reg Krake, ARC Foundation’s Executive Director. “We’re grateful to Dr. Saewyc and the internationally recognized SARAVYC research team for the work they’ve done to evaluate the impact of SOGI 123 in BC Schools. The objective evidence from their expert research methods confirms from both students and educators, SOGI 123 is effective in reducing bullying and discrimination.”

To read more about the study and view the report, “Students feel safer here, and more included”: Evaluation of SOGI 123 in BC, you can view the report launch on SARAVYC’s website.

About ARC Foundation
Established in 2007, ARC Foundation (ARC) creates breakthrough collaboration models for reducing 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in schools. ARC’s primary focus is SOGI 123, which helps educators make schools safer and more inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI) through policies and procedures, guidance on creating inclusive environments, and teaching resources.

www.arcfoundation.ca | www.SOGIeducation.org

Media Contact
Heather Vause
info@arcfoundation.ca