BARRHEAD – Pembina Hills School Division has adopted a policy designed to protect students and staff from harassment, discrimination, violence and threats during school division activities.
Trustees reviewed and unanimously adopted the new Policy 30, "A Place For All," at their meeting Oct. 30.
All trustees shared their collected feedback from concerned parties including school councils, school administration, leadership and individuals.
“We did have a delegation here in June and their ask was that we develop a policy that keeps all students safe,” explained Judy Lefebvre, the board's vice-chair.
“A letter was written to those delegates indicating that the Board had heard them and accepted their comments.”
“Then a letter was written in September to those individuals indicating that the Board would be formulating a policy but receiving input from school councils and other groups that might be affected.”
On Oct. 21 the Policy Committee met to review the draft policy written by senior administration at the request of the committee.
“Our Superintendent said that he would be taking the draft policy to principals for them to give feedback relative to what might be happening in their own schools.”
“Those steps were all taken.”
The policy was reviewed word by word and trustees raised suggestions and feedback by section of the policy.
“It was with intentionality that we took out specific references to certain groups. We need to be mindful of the different approaches and when we create a policy, we need to be respectful of that,” remarked Superintendent Brett Cooper.
“We need to create a policy that is respectful to all groups.”
Trustee Sherry Allen endorsed the superintendent’s words and told the group she would prefer to not specify groups, making sure it was a policy for all.
The policy as adopted states in part: "The Board believes every school community member plays a role in fostering inclusive environments. All members have the right to be free from any form of bullying, harassment, and discrimination targeting individuals based on race, religion, culture and language, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical characteristics, neurodiversity, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, income source, family status, self-identification, or sexual orientation in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Act."
The policy also specifically endorses "the establishment of student organizations and activities that promote equality and non-discrimination, including but not limited to gay-straight alliances, diversity clubs, anti-racism clubs, and anti-bullying clubs."
Trustee Maureen Schnirer offered more direct language and commitment in the revisions reviewed to ensure support for all unique groups.
Board chair David Truckey led the group as they analyzed each paragraph in the wording and messaging striving for everyone to be considered and to be understood.
The original draft included wordage from the Human Rights Act to ensure the policy was in alignment and compliance with legislation.
Trustee Victoria Kane added the Canadian Multicultural Act should be referenced, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and understanding multiculturalism.
Allen raised the point that the policy needs to cover that anyone coming into their buildings must follow the policy as stated and the Board agreed to revise the wordings for inclusion.
Schnirer offered that there needs to be wording around ‘building capacity in students’ understanding as a significant aspect of harassment and bullying prevention.
“Equip students with the skills and understanding to contribute to inclusive environments by building capacity in students understanding.”
Truckey said he received comments regarding the school dress code.
The Board discussed that dress codes are currently addressed by principals in their specific schools with a dress code policy for each school.
Cooper advised that any concerns about dress code they should be addressed to the specific school principal.
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