The Sea to Sky school board has unanimously passed a policy to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
This means that of 60 school districts, 31 have adopted policies that seek to tackle discrimination against LGBT students.
The Sea to Sky policy states that the board is committed to ensuring that all students and employees are included in all aspects of school life, regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity; fostering awareness and understanding of LGBT people and their contributions to society; and addressing the effects of homophobia and transphobia.
According to the policy, the district superintendent is responsible for developing procedures to address complaints of anti-gay and anti-trans discrimination, providing visible support and resources for LGBT students and staff in schools, and creating avenues for dialogue with LGBT people and their communities.
Carl Walker, president of the Sea to Sky Teachers’ Association, says the district welcomes the initiative, which had been in the works for some time. “This was a big priority of the school board.”
Walker tells Xtra he hasn’t heard of any opposition to the policy and he’s confident that school trustees and the superintendent will “use this policy to its fullest extent.”
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