By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter - Lethbridge News Now photo credit

Palliser Regional Schools On Track with Sexuality Draft Policy

Jan 30, 2016 | 7:11 AM

ALBERTA – The Board of Trustees for Palliser Regional Schools is following suit with others looking at a Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Policy.

School boards across the province have until March 31 to provide the government with a policy and procedure to demonstrate compliance with the new legislation.

Associate Superintendent of Education Services, Pat Rivard, says Palliser has a number of students who identify as LGBTQ. Staff are already doing all they can to respect all students and protect their rights.

However, Director of Learning, Laurie Wilson, is raising concerns about bathroom and change room requirements. She says gender neutral, single-stalled washrooms could be a pricey re-model for some schools.

Wilson added that some students who already self-identify wouldn’t want to use the new facilities because it would shine a light on those who don’t want it.

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The board expects to receive a draft of ammended or new board policy and administrative procedures by its regular meeting on February 9th.

Once tabled with the board, the drafts will be made available to the public and various school staff for feedback. Feedback can be submitted by writing, or you can make a presentation to the board on March 8th by contacting the Superintedent’s office.

All feedback will then be taken into consideration on March 8th.

If the policy is not agreed upon by both students and parents, it can be appealed to the board at a later date.

Another special meeting may be needed in order to finalize the policy by the March 31st deadline.