The Canadian Rockies Public Schools board took the first step towards establishing a sexual orientation and gender identity policy to protect sexual minorities in Bow Valley schools.
Trustee Esmé Comfort made the motion Tuesday (Nov. 29) night to direct administration to examine the work of the Edmonton Public School Board on the issue and bring forward recommendations for a policy or procedure.
Edmonton trustees voted unanimously in favour of a policy on the same day, after several months of analysis and gathering public input.
“It is an ongoing issue that children are being bullied and children are dying from suicide,” Comfort said in speaking to her motion. “It’s the best we can do to walk the walk that we are firmly accepting and welcoming of all children and staff.”
Trustee Amanda Kelly said the motion allows the community as a whole to have a valuable conversation on the issue.
Trustee Vi Sandford, who recently attended an Alberta School Board Association conference presentation on the issue, said she heard stories about how overwhelming it can be for students dealing with orientation and identity in the high school environment.
She said the presentation showed that having a place of acceptance makes a huge difference. She also added that at Canmore Collegiate High School, a support group has already been formed.
“It is wonderful to hear we are already doing that,” Sandford said.
Board chair Kim Bater said the key issue to look at is what is the right approach for CRPS.
Superintendent Brian Callaghan said the motion gives administration time to look at what Edmonton has done so far and put it in the context of CRPS.
“It is very compatible in terms of what we have said with the Inspiring Hearts and Minds in terms of the whole child,” he said, adding there is a mandate to create a safe and caring environment.
Edmonton’s policy includes students, staff and families who identify or are perceived as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, queer or questioning their sexual orientation, gender orientation or gender expression.
“The board expects all members of this diverse community to be welcomed, respected, accepted and supported in every school,” states the policy.
The issue of bullying of sexual minority students came to the forefront as a topic of national media attention after the suicide of Grade 10 Ottawa student Jamie Hubley, who often blogged about being isolated and depressed as an openly gay teenager.
