Have questions about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) being discussed in schools? Human rights? Pride or the Pride flag? How to engage with others on these topics? Here’s some information that may help.
The Alberta Human Rights Act
The Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on these grounds:
- race
- religious beliefs
- colour
- gender
- gender identity
- gender expression
- physical disability
- mental disability
- age
- ancestry
- place of origin
- marital status
- source of income
- family status
- sexual orientation
The Education Act
Section 33 of the Education Act requires publicly funded school boards to provide students and staff with “a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and creates a sense of belonging.”
“Publicly funded” includes public, separate, charter, francophone, and most private/independent schools.”
Section 58.1 of the Education Act requires that parents be provided with notice where courses of study, educational programs or instructional materials, or instruction or exercises include subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with religion or human sexuality.
Where a parent makes a written request, a student shall be exempt, without academic penalty, from such instruction, course of study, educational program or use of instructional material.
- ECS to Grade 12 Guide to Education, Alberta Education
Teaching Quality Standard (TQS)
Established by Alberta Education, the Teaching Quality Standard outlines parameters for teacher certification, professional development, supervision and evaluation. The fourth competency of the standard states:
“A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.”
Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
Alberta’s Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders states, in part, that
1 In relation to students,
(a) the teacher or teacher leader shall respect the dignity and rights of all students and persons without prejudice as to the prohibited grounds of discrimination set out in the Alberta Human Rights Act and with regard to rights as provided for in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and be considerate of the circumstances of students and persons.
(b) the teacher or teacher leader is required to demonstrate a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and nurtures a sense of belonging, which students are entitled to under the Act.
(d) the teacher or teacher leader shall not
(i) intentionally harm or abuse a student verbally, psychologically or emotionally, or
(ii) harm or abuse a student physically or sexually.
2 In relation to parents of students, the teacher or teacher leader shall
(a) respect parents and be considerate of their circumstances,
(c) be respectful in communications with and about parents
What does Alberta’s curriculum contain with respect to sexual orientation and gender diversity?
-In the final Physical Education and Wellness K–6 curriculum, the topic of puberty is first discussed in Grade 4. There are no specific references to 2SLGBTQ+.
-In the new social studies draft curriculum that is now being shared, there are outcomes focused generally on diversity and wellness. The areas of diversity mentioned are cultural, ethnic, religious and gender. One instance of gender diversity is found in the kindergarten curriculum.
-A thorough list of what topics are covered regarding human sexuality in which grades in Alberta curriculum can be accessed at teachingsexualhealth.ca.
- Nancy Luyckfassel, ATA co-ordinator of Professional Development
Why are sexual orientation and gender diversity discussed in schools?
Administrators and teachers who address sexual minority educational issues are not advocating or promoting a homosexual agenda. They are creating a safe, caring and inclusive environment in which all students and their families can expect to be treated with dignity and respect. As professionals, teachers have an obligation to meet the needs of their students. These needs include the concerns of sexual minority students and their families.
- Adapted from Prism Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities.
What are the origins of the Pride flag?
There’s more than one Pride flag. Designed in 1978, the first flag had eight stripes. This design was later revised to the six coloured rainbow flag that we’re now familiar with. The colours in this flag — red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet — correspond to life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony/peace and spirit.
More recent updates to the flag include black and brown stripes to draw attention to racialized populations within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as well as a chevron that symbolizes progress.
Designers continue to rework the flag’s design to make it more inclusive of various communities and identities, so we’re certain to see new variations and designs in the years ahead.
A comprehensive history of the Pride flag can be found here.
What does it mean to display a Pride flag?
Displaying a Pride flag or wearing a rainbow pin is a public show of support to gender- and relationship- diverse individuals. It signals a commitment to providing an inclusive space where gender- and relationship-diverse individuals can safely and openly be themselves without fear of stigmatization or oppression.
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