Open Letter Reaches 4,000 Signatures Urging Government to Reverse Harmful RSHE 2026 Guidance
In just over two weeks, more than 4,000 people – including teachers, academics, students, parents, carers, activists, LGBTIQA+ organisations, healthcare workers, lawyers, actors, singers, performers, and artists – have signed an open letter calling for the UK government to reverse harmful and confusing elements of the new Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) 2026 guidance.
The campaign, led by Pride in Education, warns that the proposed changes will turn back the clock on inclusive education, echoing the damaging era of Section 28, and deny young people the right to learn in a safe and affirming environment. The guidance, due to come into effect in September 2026, contains contradictory language that will disproportionately harm trans, non-binary, intersex, asexual, and gender non-conforming students.
What’s Happening Next
The Pride in Education team is now working with LGBTIQA+ leaders, education experts, and campaigners to take the letter directly to the Department for Education and the relevant ministers. This will form part of a larger campaign throughout autumn to raise public awareness of the changes, spotlight their negative impact, and push for a complete revision of the guidance.
How You Can Help
Supporters are being asked to:
- Sign and Share the Open Letter
Add your name and encourage others to do the same:
Sign the open letter here - Share Your Story
Pride in Education is gathering first-hand accounts about why these changes are harmful and how they may already be affecting students, families, and communities.
Email your reflections, quotes, and experiences to: prideineducation.co.uk@gmail.com
Why This Matters
The proposed guidance threatens the progress made in creating safe, inclusive, and affirming schools for all young people. By erasing the voices and experiences of trans, non-binary, intersex, and asexual students, it risks fostering environments where discrimination can thrive.
About Pride in Education
Pride in Education is a grassroots initiative committed to ensuring that all young people – regardless of gender identity or sexuality – can access inclusive, respectful, and supportive education.
To learn more about the campaign and get updates, follow Pride in Education’s channels and Sign the open letter today.
