Okotoks-area school divisions remain focused on the needs of students after the Province unveiled sweeping changes to policies around gender and sexuality.
On Feb.1, Premier Danielle Smith provided further details of policy changes she announced over social media a day earlier, many of which are considered unprecedented in Canada.
Expected to be implemented this fall, several of the new policies would affect the classroom.
They would require parental consent before children 15 and under can change their preferred names or pronouns in school. Under the policy, older youth will be able to take different names or pronouns, but their parents will be notified.
Sex education in Alberta schools will also be subject to changes. Currently, parents can choose to have their children opt out of lessons about gender identity, sexual orientation or sexuality, but when the changes come into effect, parents of K-12 students will need to consent any time a teacher plans to discuss those topics.
Also, teaching resources provided by third-party organizations related to those subjects will need to be approved by the Ministry of Education.
Foothills School Division declined to comment on the new policies, saying it is focusing on student priorities.
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) stated: "With the support of parents and guardians, our schools remain committed to creating a Catholic learning environment where all students are welcomed, loved and cared for."
Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers Association, said teachers should be consulted before the policies are enacted.
“We must be mindful of the vulnerability of (transgender) students and their need for safety, security and support,” Schilling said.
Many aspects of gender-affirming care for trans youth would be restricted or prohibited as a result of the new policies.
Top and bottom surgeries for youth 17 and under, and the use of hormone therapy for those 15 and under, would be prohibited. For minors aged 16 and 17, hormone therapy will require parent and physician approval.
Friends of Medicare, a coalition of non-partisan organizations dedicated to protecting and strengthening universal public health care, said the policy infringes on the rights of young people and their families to access health care.
“Access to health care is a human right," said executive director Chris Gallaway. “Every Albertan deserves to feel safe and free of discrimination when accessing health care, and the care they receive should come on the basis of the best medical evidence, not politics and ideology.”
Also under the new policies, transgender youth will be barred from competing in female sports, to ensure fairness and safety, said Smith.
The premier said she hopes teachers and doctors comply with the new rules and said aspects of the policies will be clarified as they get closer to implementation.
“We'll be seeking consultation on the implementation of it," she said.
The changes are expected to be implemented this fall.
-with files from Brett McKay/St. Albert Gazette
