New Brunswick’s LGBTQ+ safe schools debate makes false opponents of parents and teachers

• Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta have all recently made the news regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ educational issues.
• Recently announced changes to the 2020 policy have sparked a volatile debate reflecting polarizing arguments that make false opponents out of parents and teachers.

Students’ rights to choose pronoun/name

• Under the original policy, school staff would consult with a transgender or non-binary student to determine their preferred first name and pronouns.
• The policy also said that when contacting a parent to discuss a students’ preferred name, the principal must have the student’s informed consent.
• The Canadian Civil Liberties Association said the changes “violate the rights and dignity” of LGBTQ youth.

Precedent across the country

• People who support changes to the policy express concerns about parental rights and traditional values.
• CBC reports that a conservative Christian group based in British Columbia has encouraged supporters to lobby New Brunswick MLAs because what happens in the province could set a precedent across the country.

Polarized arguments

• Recently, there have been outrageous allegations that schools or teachers are “grooming” children for gender transition, or that schools are “keeping children’s gender identity secret.” Teachers are caught in the crossfire.
• It is important to understand that parents/guardians and families were not excluded by the original policy.

Duty of care

• They are legally bound to keep the youth in their care safe from neglect and abuse.
• Teachers also have a duty of care for the safety, well-being and education of all students during school hours.
• An educator’s ability to support students’ thriving is grounded in the relationships built with students, their families and their communities.

Supporting students’ self-advocacy

• If a student shares something with a trusted person like a teacher and there is no cause for concern, teachers maintain neutrality and confidentiality.
• This would isolate the student, with neither families nor teachers as allies, potentially putting the student at greater risk.

Reducing stigma

• We need to provide support to children and youth on a case-by-case basis.
• Education plays a vital role in reducing stigma, dismantling prejudice and discrimination, promoting acceptance and nurturing a diverse and vibrant society.