110: Welcoming Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Environments
1.0 POLICY
The Board believes in the importance of, and is committed to, establishing, and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
The Board believes that all members of the school community, including students, staff members, and community members, have the right to learn, work 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.
References:
Policy 115: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities
Policy 900: Student Conduct and Discipline
Administrative Procedure: AP711: Employee Conduct – Welcoming Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Environments
Administrative Procedure 717- Workplace Violence and Harassment
Education Act: Sections 16, 35, 35.1
Vision, Mission and Values Statement
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Alberta Human Rights Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Guidelines for Best Practices: Alberta Government (2016)
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
Board Policies I. Introduction, Foundations and Philosophical Commitments