Today marks the deadline for Alberta school boards to submit their safe and caring schools policies to the provincial government. As of this morning, Alberta Education had received 55 gender identity policies, including those from all three local school divisions, and it’s expected all but two will have theirs in by the end of the day.
The procedures are meant to ensure Gay-Straight Alliances can be built in all schools, and that LGBTQ students feel comfortable in and outside of class. Education Minister David Eggen says it’s been inspiring to see so much support for students and staff, but acknowledges there’s much work to be done as the province reviews each submission. That will start in April.