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Administrative Procedure 176: SUPPORTING AND GUIDING STUDENTS IN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES: GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION

Background

The Division is committed to establishing and maintaining welcoming, caring, respectful, safe and inclusive learning and working environments for all members of the school community, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This means that each and every person, regardless of race, religious belief, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation, has the relevant learning opportunities, working environment, and appropriate supports needed to feel valued and to be successful in all of our schools, programs, and workplaces.

Procedures

  1. The Principal shall:
    1. Ensure that no student, staff member or member of the community is discriminated against as provided for in the Alberta Human Rights Act and/or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
    2. Ensure that all discriminatory behaviours and complaints are taken seriously, documented, and dealt with expeditiously and effectively through consistently applied procedures.
    3. Identify a staff member to serve as a “safe contact” for sexual and gender minority students. The Principal will inform the school community about the location and availability of this “safe contact” resource person;

  2. Division Specific Accommodations
    The following accommodations are available to all students, and except where expressly stated therein, are not limited to those who request accommodation on the basis of gender identity or expression.
    1. Dress Code
      1. Principals shall ensure that students have the right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression.
    2. Washroom Accessibility
      1. Principals shall provide safe access to a washroom and/or change room for use by any student who desires increased privacy.
      2. Where possible, the Division will make available readily accessible or gender-inclusive washrooms at each school and worksite.
    3. Overnight and Out of School Field Trips
      1. All overnight and out-of-school field trips require parental approval, prior to student participation in these events.
      2. Principals shall ensure that staff make every reasonable effort to provide accommodations that are inclusive, respectful and acceptable to the student and that do not impose any additional expense or burden for the student or family.
      3. The dignity, privacy and confidentiality of students shall be maintained at all times.
      4. The many factors to be carefully considered must be addressed on a case by case basis.
    4. Resolving Conflict
      1. The Principal shall ensure that disputes will be resolved in a manner that involves the student and an adult to advocate for them (teacher, parent, consultant, service provider) in the decision-making process, to maximize inclusiveness and reflect the best interests of the student.
    5. Official Records and Student Information
      1. The Principal shall ensure that student records are maintained in a way that respects student privacy and confidentiality and complies with Alberta’s privacy legislation.
      2. Students are to be informed of any limitations regarding their chosen name, gender identity or gender expression in relation to official school records that may require legal name and designation.
    6. Confidentiality and Privacy
      1. Principals shall ensure, where possible, a student’s right to discuss and express their gender identity and/or gender expression openly and to decide when, with whom and how much private information to share.

  3. The Superintendent shall ensure this Administrative Procedure is clearly communicated and made publically available to all staff, students and parents, and is annually reviewed by June 30.
     

Reference

Section 12, 16.1, 16.2, 18, 20, 23, 30, 45, 45.1, 50.1, 50.2, 60, 61, 96, 113, 116, 117 School Act

Alberta Bill of Rights

Alberta Human Rights Act

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Personal Information Privacy Act

Vital Statistics Act

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Ministerial Order on Student Learning 001/2013

Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report

Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association: Policy Handbook

 

Approved: August 21, 2018

Last Updated: July 10, 2019