Policy 20: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities
POLICY
The Board believes in the importance of and is committed to establishing and maintaining a welcoming inclusive, equitable safe and healthy learning and working environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging for members of the school community. This includes students, staff, and families who identify or are perceived as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, gender fluid, or those who are questioning their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (2SLGBTQ+). The Board expects that all members of this diverse community be welcomed, respected, accepted and supported in every school and workplace.
All members of the school community and those employed by the Board have the right to learn and work in an environment free from prejudice, harassment and discrimination. This right is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Alberta Human Rights Act and Alberta Education Act. As such, these rights are to be supported and enforced so that all members of Sturgeon Public Schools may work together in inclusive, equitable, safe, healthy and respectful environments.
The Board believes that all 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and families have the right to:
- have their confidentiality respected, in accordance with the Education Act and relevant legislation;
- request recognition of their preferred name and pronouns, subject to legislative requirements regarding parental involvement for students under 18; and
- have their unique identities, families, cultures and communities included, represented, valued and respected within all aspects of the school environment.
DEFINITIONS
Definitions: For the purposes of this policy the most current definitions can be accessed at the following link:
GSAs and QSAs in Alberta Schools: A Guide for Teachers
Sexual and Gender Minority Terms and Definitions:
GUIDELINES
3.1 The Board is committed to establishing environments where all 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and families have the right to:
3.1.1 be fully included and represented in an inclusive and respectful manner by all school personnel in accordance with legislative guidelines;
3.1.2 have equitable access to supports, services and protections provided to all students, staff and families;
3.1.3 have a mechanism by which to address harassment, prejudice, discrimination, intimidation, bullying and/or violence; and
3.1.4 have their unique identities, families, cultures and communities represented and valued in all facets of the school environment.
3.2 The Board believes that staff members are better prepared to respond to and support matters associated with sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression when they have the benefit of related education and professional development opportunities, as well as an awareness of, and access to, research and/or professional readings relative to this topic. The Board is committed to:
3.2.1 Supporting school-based leaders to develop, implement and evaluate inclusive educational strategies, professional development opportunities and administrative guidelines to ensure that sexual and gender student minorities and their families are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect in all facets of the school community while adhering to the legal rights of parents and the requirements under the Education Act; and
3.2.2 Supporting principals and schools in implementing educational initiatives and developing school environments that respect the sexual and gender minority’s unique identity, families, cultures and communities, in compliance with provincial legislation.
3.3 The Board of Trustees may establish a task group or groups to provide input and recommendations relative to the implementation of Policy 20: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities.
3.4 The membership of any task group(s) may vary based on the identified goals and objectives established by the Board of Trustees relative to Policy 20: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities.
3.5 Prior to forming any task group(s) the Board of Trustees will identify:
- The specific objectives,
- Membership representation,
- Preferred timeline and
- Reporting process for the task group(s).
4.0 The Board will comply with requirements established by the Minister.
References:
Administrative Procedures:
AP712: Employee Conduct – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities
AP717: Workplace Violence and Harassment
Education Act: Sections 1, 2, 16, 18(1)(2), 19, 33(2)(3), 35, 52, 53, 58, 196, 197, 222
Policy 1: Vision, Mission and Values
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Alberta Human Rights Act
GSA’s and QSA’s in Alberta Schools: ATA
Guidelines for Best Practices: Alberta Government (2016)
Access to Information Act (ATIA)
Access to Information Act Regulation 133/2025
Personal Information and Protection Act
History
2019 Mar 27 Initial Approval
2020 Jan 29 Amended
2021 Oct 27 Reviewed
2022 Jun 22 Amended
2023 Apr 26 Reviewed
2025 Aug 27 Amended