After months of gathering feedback, Richmond’s Board of Education is reviewing the public’s responses to a draft sexual orientation and gender identity policy in anticipation of its approval on June 27.
Known by its acronym, SOGI, the policy which was initially championed by trustee Sandra Nixon aims to inform and educate staff, students and parents about the special circumstances and discrimination against LGBTQ students. The policy not only has a zero-tolerance attitude against discrimination and bullying, but also seeks to help schools be more accepting of students’ sexual orientation and gender identity.
Information was distributed and feedback was gathered through public open houses, student activities, social media and the district’s Let’s Talk website. According to a report to the school board, nearly 1,000 individual responses were received.
Many were opposed to the policy as a whole, while others sought specific changes to the draft. More than 200 signed copies of a form were submitted stating school staff should request parental consent to discuss sexual orientation, notify students of any LGBTQ celebrations or gender-neutral activities, allow students opt out of these activities and “delete the policy which states teachers should sponsor ‘Gay/Straight Clubs or Alliances.’”
Others, however, supported the policy, saying it was “overdue.”
A representative from Vancouver Coastal Health also submitted a letter applauding the school board’s efforts, while pointing out a few areas where the policy could improve, including allowing students to transfer schools and have a “fresh start…without having to disclose their gender identity or expression as the reason for transfer.”
The feedback has been reviewed by the SOGI policy committee and adjustments have been made to the draft.
One change included highlighting that “the district is responsible for ensuring that school cultures are safe, welcoming, inclusive and affirming for all students and members of the district community,” while eliminating a statement that said students were obligated “to intervene in any interaction involving the use of harassing, discriminatory or homophobic statements, comments and behaviours, regardless of the speaker's intentions and to convey that such comments are against policy and will not be tolerated.”
The school board is expected to make a decision on the policy at its June 27 meeting.
