Wolf Creek Public Schools will develop rules on sexual orientation and gender identity to further prevent harassment and bullying.
The school board recently directed superintendent Larry Jacobs to create administrative procedures regarding students and staff who may be lesbian, gay, transgendered and the like.
The board reported it wants all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect.
Jacobs said on Tuesday that a lot of school divisions are looking at creating these procedures as an extension of dealing with bullying.
He hopes to have a draft report that’s open to the public by the end of June, so it’s approved and ready to go in the fall.
Jacobs said he’s reviewing what Edmonton Public Schools and the Vancouver School Board have done. Edmonton formulated its procedures after seeing what the Greater Victoria School District created in 2002.
Victoria created rules around safety, including that middle and secondary schools be encouraged to develop Codes of Conduct that clearly state that discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation is prohibited.
As well, school staff was called to take steps to eliminate language and conduct that discriminates against people in this community, plus any incidents of discrimination must be documented.
The Vancouver School Board says it is committed to ongoing staff development in anti-homophobia education and sexual orientation equity for trustees and board staff. Vancouver also crafted rules around counselling and student support, curriculum learning resources and community involvement.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com