LGBTI students set to be able to claim ‘bullying’ allowances in Victorian schools

Victoria is expected to become the first state where students can excuse their poor results on homophobia and bullying.

But education officials have questioned whether it’s a good idea.

Students will be able to apply to the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, claim they were bullied, and still get into their preferred course.

It comes under what’s called a ‘Special Entry Access Scheme’.

Tony Jones spoke with Kevin Donnelly, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University.

In 2014, Mr Donnelly was co-author of a Review of the Australian Curriculum.

‘I think it’s wrong, I taught year 12 for many years in Victoria… I know the system pretty well.’ 

‘I believe it should be on merit and ability, unless there are really special cases. I mean, if you’re a young student and you’ve had a bereavement in the family, or something has happened in terms of family violence and you’ve had to move out.’

‘When you’re looking at lesbian gay transsexual student, I think that’s going a step too far.’ – Mr Donnelly said on 3AW Mornings.

Click PLAY below to hear more