Monday, October 7

Global Irish Studies presents

“Beyond the Walls: School Exclusion and the Path to Peace in Northern Ireland”

A talk by Dr. Patricia O’Lynn

On Monday, October 7 from 11am to 12:15pm in Arrupe Multipurpose Room, Arrupe Hall. The talk is free to attend, and all are welcome, but reservations are required.

This talk will explore the complex interplay between school exclusion and societal conflict in Northern Ireland, focusing on how educational experiences shape community relations and contribute to the broader peace process. As the region continues to heal from decades of violence, understanding the role of schools as both sites of potential exclusion and inclusion is critical. This presentation will examine the factors leading to school exclusion, including socioeconomic disparities, sectarian divides, and the impact of trauma on young people. 

We will explore lived experiences that illustrate how exclusionary practices in education can perpetuate cycles of violence and alienation, while also highlighting successful initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and reconciliation within schools. By drawing connections between educational equity and social cohesion, this talk aims to propose actionable strategies for policymakers, educators, and communities to create more inclusive educational environments that contribute positively to peacebuilding efforts in Northern Ireland. 

Dr Patricia O’Lynn has a degree in Law, a master’s in Criminology and a PhD in Education. She is most known for being the first woman in the history of Northern Ireland elected to represent the constituency of North Antrim as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Prior to this she worked as a Commissioner to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and a Local Government Councillor at Mid and East Antrim Council.Recently she has served as a Special Political Advisor to the Justice Minister Naomi Long where she contributed to introduction of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill. Patricia currently serves as the Head of Policy and Engagement at the Law Society for Northern Ireland where she is currently leading the Society’s lobbying efforts to secure access to justice for some of the most vulnerable members of Northern Irish Society.

Earlier this year, Patricia established her first community interest company called The Institute for Disruption which exists to enact school-systems change, challenge the status quo, and reframe persistently disruptive behaviour as a force for social good.