DRAFT HOMOPHOBIA/HETEROSEXISM POLICY #5.45 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will my child be taught in elementary school about homophobia issues? Will they be taught about sex or sexual practices?
A: The District follows curriculum approved by the BC Ministry of Education at all age levels, which includes representations of diverse family structures including LGBTQ families. Age appropriate anti-homophobia education at the elementary level does not include discussion about sex or sexual practices.
Q: Isn’t my child too young in elementary school to be taught about homophobia issues?
A: Students in the elementary grades will experience lessons that are a part of curriculum approved by the BC Ministry of Education that promotes tolerance and understanding of the diversity that exists in Canadian society. This includes raising awareness of inappropriate slurs that focus on race, culture, socio-economic status, disabilities and sexual orientation.
Q: How does this policy affect my role as a parent?
A: This policy is not intended to affect your role as a parent. As with other school district policies that address forms of discrimination, the intent of this policy is to make our schools safe places for all students. In addition, school districts have a legal responsibility to proactively respond to all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying that may exist in schools.
Q: Why does the District need a Homophobia/Heterosexism Policy? What about other forms of discrimination?
A: The District already has policies that address discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity or religion such as Policy # 6.40, Multiculturalism and Race Relations, and Policy # 6.45, Propagandist or Prejudicial Conduct. We are also proud of our programs that support and celebrate the ethnic diversity in our community. However the District lacks a specific policy to address homophobic bullying in Burnaby schools. Yet, we know there are students in our schools who suffer harassment because of their declared, or perceived, sexual orientation. Not only do we believe it is right to address this situation, but as a Board we also have a legal responsibility to do so.
Q: How was the public consulted?
A: The two-year policy development process was discussed at public board meetings and covered by local media. Once the draft policy was passed by the Board as a Notice of Motion, it was circulated to all the District’s educational partner groups for input. This is common district practice on all new or revised policies as detailed in Policy # 1.10, District Policy and Policy Development. Since the Board received significant community interest in this policy, it extended the input period to Friday June 3, for a total of 14 weeks, and posted detailed information on its website about the public input process and background on the Policy development. The Board also and heard from 21 delegations at three public board meetings.
Q: As a result of Policy # 5.45, could a student be disciplined for expressing their moral or religious belief?
A: No, students would not be disciplined for expressing their moral or religious beliefs. The Burnaby School District is committed to the values of tolerance and respect for diversity. In cases where students are not respectful in their comments or behaviour, the District’s first response is to use education and restorative action, not discipline.
Q: How are parents’ rights protected to raise their families according to their beliefs?
A: Principals in Burnaby Schools are guided by the Accommodating Religious Beliefs - Guidelines for Principals when responding to questions regarding accommodation for religious or moral beliefs.
The accommodation of religious beliefs in a secular public school system with prescribed learning outcomes mandated by the Ministry of Education raises complex issues. As it addresses requests for religious accommodation, the District must consider not only the rights of the students who request accommodation, but also the need to maintain a positive and welcoming learning environment for all students consistent with the values of tolerance and diversity.
The Burnaby School District recognizes that in certain situations outside of the Health and Career Education curriculum, the School District may be obligated to accommodate particular individual circumstances to ensure a non-discriminatory environment exists, provided that the accommodation sought is reasonably possible and does not undermine the rights of other members of the school community or the objectives of the secular public school system.
Q: How will the Policy 5.45 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity impact classroom instruction?
A: Since the intent of the Policy # 5.45 is to foster mutual understanding, respect, and acceptance among students and staff, its impact will be to create more inclusive educational environments. Our schools will continue to be conducted on strictly secular and non-sectarian principles in accordance with the BC Schools Act. The District will continue to meet the Prescribed Learning Outcomes of the BC Ministry of Education which reflect the diverse and pluralistic nature of our society including the LGBTQ community. All instruction will continue to be age-appropriate and respectful of the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of all our students.
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