REGINA – The Alberta government is in the spotlight this week for passing legislation mandating the creation of gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in any school where a student requests one.
The Regina Public School Division said gay-straight alliances exist in every one of its eight high schools, an argument for why legislation wouldn’t necessarily enhance current support.
I don’t see it as being a huge necessity.
“Having legislation I think would be a good thing, but I don’t see it as being a huge necessity because students are getting the services and the spaces that they require,” said Dan Shier with Queen City Pride.
The Regina Catholic School Division said none of its schools have GSAs. A request was made by a student for a GSA a couple of years ago, but alternatives were found.
“Through great conversation with the student and the staff at the school, we were able to have the student’s interests met,” said Rob Currie, director of education with the Regina Catholic School Division.
GSAs are on the province’s radar. In November of 2013, it released an action plan to address bullying. The report said schools should respond positively to requests for groups such as gay-straight alliances.
“As government we’ve received no complaint in the province where a child has come forward to establish something like this here and that’s been denied,” said Greg Miller, associate deputy education minister.
The province said if a request is made for a GSA, it expects the student would receive the support they need, regardless of which school they attend.