Richard Froese
Spotlight
High Prairie School Division has received overwhelming public support for new procedure on conduct that respects LGBTQ students.
More than 200 students, staff, parents and citizens participated in the survey on the administrative procedures developed to address requirements from the provincial Bill 10 and the guidelines for best practices, states a news release from HPSD.
“High Prairie School Division is proud to support all students in schools that are welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe,” says Tammy Henkel, who chairs the board.
“We respect the views of every respondent, however, we champion the belief that inclusion encompasses everyone, regardless of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and/or gender expressions.
“As we take this next step in quality public education, we look forward to working with you, our stakeholders, to deliver exceptional learning opportunities for all.”
The code of conduct administrative procedure has been in effect at HPSD and was updated to reflect changes in legislation to address the issues of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer).
“Support for changes to division procedures was expressed by a number of respondents who believe the changes are timely and appropriate,” Henkel says.
“Opposition to the overwhelmingly supported administrative procedures was also voiced.”
Those opposed most often cited religious, moral, and safety reasons.
The welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments administrative procedure is new and replaces the bully prevention and intervention administrative procedure.
Both new administrative procedures, 340 code of conduct and 209 welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments, can be found on the High Prairie School Divsion website.