Board Policies

POLICY

The Board is committed to establishing and maintaining a welcoming, caring, respectful, inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy learning and working environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. This policy fulfills the Board's obligations under the Education Act, the Alberta Human Rights Act and other applicable legislation. 

The Board believes that all members of the school community, including students, staff members, and community members, have the right to learn, work, participate in school-related activities and volunteer in environments that respect: equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights. Such environments create the conditions where everyone can prosper.

The Board believes all members of the school community deserve opportunities to connect to their culture.  Sturgeon Public School Division celebrates the diversity of our students and communities and is committed to collaborating with community and cultural leaders to build and promote cultural connections.

The Board is committed to providing environments that support the positive mental health of students and staff and reflect research informed practices related to trauma sensitivity and strength-based approaches to teaching and learning.

The Board believes it is the collective responsibility of all those involved with the Division to create and maintain positive cultures in our schools and workplaces.  As such, the Board is committed to providing environments free from harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence.

Definitions:

For the purposes of this policy equity, diversity, and inclusion are defined as:

Equity: A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people.  Equity means treating people in ways that take individual differences into consideration.

Diversity: The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society.  The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

Inclusion: Is based on the principles of acceptance and welcoming of all students.  Students see themselves reflected in their studies, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, in which all individuals are honored and diversity is respected.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all members of the school community, including but not limited to:

• Trustees
• Division employees
• Students
• Parents/guardians
• Volunteers
• Contractors and service providers
• Visitors

This policy applies:

• On all Division-operated premises.
• At all school-related functions and activities, whether on or off Division property. 
• To all means of communication, including verbal, written, telephone, email, internet, intranet, and social media interactions.
• To off-campus and online conduct (including cyberbullying) where such conduct impacts the school environment or school-related activities. 

References:

Policy 1: Vision, Mission and Values
Policy 20: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities
Policy 21: Student Conduct and Discipline
Administrative Procedure 711: Employee Conduct – Welcoming Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Environments
Administrative Procedure 717: Workplace Violence and Harassment
Administrative Procedure 831: Religious Education and Instruction
Education Act: Sections 8, 16, 31, 32, 33, 35, 35.1, 36, 37, 41, 51, 52, 53
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Alberta Human Rights Act
Access to Information Act (ATIA)
Access to Information Act Regulation 133/2025
Guidelines for Best Practices: Alberta Government (2016)
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Ministerial Order 030/2025

History

2019 Apr 24 Initial Approval
2020 Jan 29 Reviewed
2021 Oct 27 Reviewed
2022 Jun 22 Amended
2023 Apr 26 Amended
2024 Mar 20 Amended
2025 Aug 27 Amended