Edmonton Alberta School Board Becomes First In Province To Enshrine Anti-Discrimination Policy Protecting Rights Of Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Students And Staff

Tuesday, the Edmonton Alberta School Board became the first in the province to enshrine an anti-discrimination policy that specifically protects the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender students and staff at public schools throughout the district, reports CBC. School trustees agreed to develop a policy of zero tolerance for discrimination based on sexual orientation – real or perceived – and sexual identity. The decision was arrived at after pleas from parents, students, and staff at a public forum prior to the vote. Kevin Schultz, a parent, told the board “I want my children to go to a school where faggot is never heard, where a phrase ‘That’s so gay ‘is never heard.” The trustees voted 8-1 in favour of the resolution, the lone vote against cast by Trustee Cathy Ripley, who said she believed that district policy currently protected against discrimination. The decision was commended by Grade 12 student Vincent Brulotte, who said ““I've seen some bullying happen. It's time for the bullying to end." He added that a policy will mean teachers and administrators can no longer ignore discrimination. "It's not something hypothetical. It's not something where ‘You should be doing this.’ Now it's ‘You have to be doing this,’" Brulotte said. Carol Allen, a former teacher, was also among those celebrating the board’s decision. Allen was the first teacher in Edmonton to change her gender during her career, and recalled that the first time she spoke to district administrators in the mid-1980’s about her decision to, it was greeted with laughter. “I am so happy,” she said. “I’m just thrilled to hear that the school board is going to put down in writing a policy not only to protect the kids but teachers as well.”A school district committee will now research and write the policy.