By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Lethbridge Public School sexual orientation and gender expression Policy passes first reading

Sep 27, 2016 | 11:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  Lethbridge School District 51 is one step closer to passing staff policy on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

On Tues. (Sept 27) Lethbridge School District’s No. 51’s Board of Trustees passed a first reading of Policy 400.1.1 Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression, a staff policy.
 
This policy also includes a number of regulations that work to protect staff with a diversity of sexual orientations and gender expressions.

The policy also provides all staff, including transgender staff, the right to privacy and safety when using facilities.

Having staff be fully represented in an inclusive, positive and respectful manner, with equitable access to supports, services and protections and having avenues of recourse available when they are targets of harassment, is also included.

With the policy, the Board is ensuring discriminatory behaviours and complaints will be taken seriously, as the District strives to support the health and safety needs of staff with a diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

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The policy also provides all staff, including transgender staff, the right to privacy and safety when using facilities.

The policy poses many similarities between the student policy, 502.2 Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression, established by the school board in the spring of 2016 

Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Gilmore said that the policy is one of the last pieces in the puzzle for the district.

“This policy is important because we consider ourselves a school community. This means that all individuals, staff, parents, community members need to have that same respect, same level of care and same understand that we are all part of a community.”

The school board moved forward with the policy after a Sexual Orientation Draft Policy Meeting drew an overflow crowd at Wilson Middle school for the March 23rd meeting.

A second and potential final reading will take place October 25th.