LETHBRIDGE – The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression policy developed by Lethbridge School District 51 passed first reading Tuesday.
More than 50 people – teachers, students and parents – who had the opportunity Tuesday afternoon to examine a draft of the districts Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression policy. The policy is in compliance with the Alberta Education’s guidelines for school boards to follow regarding LGBTQ students, including what they can wear, what sports they can play and which washrooms they can use.
Grade 12 student Matt Story, who was bullied because of his sexual orientation, was at the meeting. He was 12 years old when he first knew he was gay, and like many LGBTQ students, his classmates were not very accepting at first.
“I’ve been through a lot of social media bullying and verbal bullying,” he said. “It really drives you to look for more resources and to look to administrators and look to higher levels of education, where you can try and find solutions.”
The 17-year-old feels the gender policy District 51 has introduced is a step in the right direction.
“This is just equal rights for all students. Everyone needs to be protected by their school,” he added.
However, a group of more than 2,000 concerned parents have started a petition asking the district to hold a public forum before the policy is completed.
“We do not see a benefit to specifically segregating, defining and treating differently one specific group, which can sometimes cause problems,” said parent Genevieve Steed.
The group wants parents to be involved in developing what language goes into the policy. Steed explained that parents’ biggest concern is how the province’s guidelines may influence the district’s policy.
Story feels the policy, as it stands, could change the lives of many LGBTQ students.
“Kids will be able to say ‘I come from a school district that supports me fully regardless of my sexual orientation,’” he said.
The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression policy needs to pass second and third reading before it can be officially passed.