Attention urged to SD 8 policy
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The Kootenay Lake School District (SD 8) needs a comprehensive policy to create inclusive classroom for gay and lesbian youth, according to the district’s social justice representative.
Shannon Lanaway made a presentation to the school board on Nov. 3 to highlight some of the challenges facing youth who are questioning their sexuality or who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, two spirited or queer (LGBYQ). Those students face a high rate of bullying and are more likely to attempt suicide than their straight classmates.
“Many students who aren’t sure about their sexuality don’t feel comfortable talking to their parents about it,” said Lanaway. “The classroom could be a safe place for them.”
What Lanaway wants to see in the district is action-based policy that would set out a timeline for staff in the district to receive training and resources to support LGBYQ.
She proposed setting up an advisory committee that could inform the policy committee to help them move forward in creating a plan. The timeline she suggested in her presentation was to see a policy prepared by the end of the school year.
But Becky Blair, president of the Creston Teachers’ Association, said that was a bit optimistic: “She didn’t realize policy moves slower than snails.”
So, instead, Lanaway asked the school board for their feedback and direction.
Trustee Annette Hambler pointed out that the SD8 just updated its general harassment policy last year to include more specific wording about LGBYQ students.
“It was a long, drawn out, comprehensive process,” said Hambler. “We’ve cleared the policy by the lawyers and they were totally satisfied with our existing policy.”
Lanaway said she was aware of the harassment policy but felt it wasn’t enough. Stand alone LGBYQ policies exist in Cranbrook, Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and she’d like to see Kootenay Lake added.
“I really think creating gay-straight alliances within the school will change the environment in a positive way,” she said. “For some of these students, we’re talking about a matter of life or death.”
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