EDMONTON — A policy aimed at protecting students and staff who are members of a sexual minority has been approved by the Edmonton Public School Board.
The sexual orientation and gender identity policy — believed to be a first for schools on the Prairies — was passed unanimously by board members Tuesday.
Board chairman Dave Colburn says it’s a significant step towards eliminating bullying in schools.
“It represents a further step forward towards ensuring the safety and well-being of sexual minority students, staff and families,” Colburn said in a release.
“We also know that it is through the administration’s commitment to robust regulations and reporting on the policy that we will see success.”
Colburn says generic anti-bullying policies are not good enough.
The new policy takes effect immediately, but administrators must still come up with regulations for schools to follow.
The rules are expected to be ready by the end of the school year.