​In March of 2016, parents/guardians, students, and staff were invited to participate in a survey to help inform our review of Policy 412: Homophobia. Responses from the Survey in Support of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Gender Diversity in School District 44 were collected and reviewed by the Policy 412 subcommittee.

We are pleased to provide you with Draft Policy 412: Supporting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Gender Expression (below). Between now and November 9, 2016 (4 p.m. deadline) we are seeking your feedback on this revised policy.

Please send your feedback to: feedback@sd44.ca

Alternatively, you can mail your comments to:

Policy 412 Subcommittee
C/O Vince White, District Principal of Learning Services - Inclusive Education
2121 Lonsdale Avenue
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2K6
604 903 3726

Thank you for your support and participation.

DRAFT

Policy 412:  Supporting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Gender Expression

Policy

The Board of Education of the North Vancouver School District (No. 44) is strongly committed to celebrating and supporting the many ways in which diversity is expressed in our classrooms and throughout our school communities. Students, staff, and their family members who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirited, Queer and Queer Questioning (LGBT2Q+) richly enhance all aspects of our school district. The Board of Education is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all students, employees and their respective families regardless of real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and/or gender expression.  The Board will provide a safe environment, free from harassment and discrimination, for all members of the school community, while also supporting pro-active strategies and guidelines to fully include and celebrate the rich contributions of this diverse community of people within our society as a whole.

All LGBT2Q+ students, employees and their respective families have the right:

• To have their confidentiality protected and respected;
• To self-identification and self-determination; and
• To have their identities, families and communities represented, respected  and celebrated within all aspects of the school environment

• Ensuring inclusion of all students, employees and their respective families in all aspects of school life regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression
• Defining appropriate expectations, language, behaviours and actions in order to prevent discrimination or harassment based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression
• Ensuring that complaints of discrimination or harassment based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression are taken seriously and dealt with expeditiously and effectively through consistently applied policy and procedure
• Raising awareness, improving understanding and celebrating the lives of people who identify as LGBT2Q+