Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities

POLICY TYPE:        END RESULTS

POLICY NO:             E-4

SUBJECT:                Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities

EFFECTIVE:             October 2018; April 2019; June 2023; October 2023

POLICY:                    The District Education Council values diversity, equality and respect, and promotes the acceptance of all persons regardless of sexual orientation and gender.  The District Education Council expects all members of its schools and public events, held in its school facilities, to be welcomed, respected, and supported, and is, therefore, committed to addressing all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Therefore, the District Education Council recognizes its obligation to adopt appropriate administrative procedures and strategies to ensure respect for human rights and support for diversity and equality.

1.  The Anglophone North School District Education Council upholds the principle that its policies, procedures and strategies will reflect understanding of LGBTQI2S+ school community members.  It will support diversity, acceptance, address discrimination and foster an atmosphere of respect and safety.

2.   The Anglophone North School District Education Council, through the Superintendent, will demonstrate the following outcome:

• Employees will demonstrate respect for human rights, support diversity, equality and address discrimination against LGBTQI2S+ individuals.

• Make the school community aware of this policy and support for LGBTQI2S+ in the school district, as addressed in the Positive Learning and Working Environment Plan (PLWEP).

• ASD-N DEC acknowledges the references noted by the Department of  Education and Early Childhood Development as documented in Provincial Policy 713 Section 9.0 and calls upon staff to be mindful of this legislation in the school setting, in particular:

1. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
2. Human Rights Act
3. Education Act

• Students wishing to have assistance in speaking with parents for the purpose of obtaining their consent to alter official records or use an alternate name or pronoun will be encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals (i.e. teachers, principals, school counsellors, psychologists, social workers).

3.         References:

The Education Act provides the following authority for these guidelines: 

        36.9(5) A District Education Council shall (a)  develop school district policies and procedures, not inconsistent with provincial policies and procedures, in matters relating to the authority given to the District Education Council, or the superintendent of the school district, under this Act and regulations.

• EECD Policy 713: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• EECD Policy 322: Inclusive Education
• EECD Policy 703: Positive Learning and Working Environment.
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Bill C-16 – Act to amend the Canadian Humas Rights Act and Criminal Code
• New Brunswick Human Rights Act
• Amendment to NB Human Rights Act. Bill 51
• Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association
• Province of New Brunswick Respectful Workplace Policy
• ASDN Professional Conduct
• On Balance, Choose Kindness – The Advocate’s Review on Changes to Policy  

           713 and Recommendations for a Fair and Compassionate Policy (15 August 2023)

  b)   Education and Early Childhood Development Policy 703: Positive Learning and Working Environment.

MONITORING:

            Method:                     Report by the Superintendent

            Frequency:                Annually

            Month:                        June