YOUR VIEWS

As a teacher and a parent, I believe it is important to challenge this assumption and consider another approach when it comes to the provincial government's requirement that all school boards develop sexual orientation and gender identity policies by March 31. Instead, the provincial government should ensure all school boards have a policy in place that helps ensure their schools are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments for ALL students. Period. Furthermore, instead of dealing with specific accommodations for the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity on a policy level (i.e. pronouns, washroom/change room use, participation in sports teams, etc.), these accommodations and supports should be offered on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with all concerned parties, including the student, guardians, school staff and medical professionals. The provincial government should ensure all school boards have a policy in place that helps ensure their schools are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments for ALL students. Period.