Policy 713: rally in Sackville, rebellion in legislature, and debate coming to town council
In the legislature on Thursday, six PC MLAs voted in favour of an opposition motion calling for a review of changes to the education department’s Policy 713. The PC votes meant the Liberal motion passed, 26 to 20 in favour of the policy review, to be performed by child and youth advocate, Kelly Lamrock. Though the motion is not binding on the government, Lamrock has said it is binding on him, and he will follow through.
Hogan’s Policy 713 changes have been stirring up action in Tantramar this week as well. On Tuesday evening, Councillor Michael Tower gave notice of a motion he intends to make at the next regular meeting, to write a letter on behalf of council supporting the original policy 713, which among other things, requires teachers to address students of all ages by their preferred names and pronouns.
CHMA caught up with Tower after Tuesday’s meeting:
Tower says he has a personal connection to the policy discussion, because he has a non-binary grandchild. “I personally feel that the premier and [education minister Bill] Hogan both don’t have a great understanding of what it is and how it’s affecting the youth,” said Tower on Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, a group of about 18 Sackville residents gathered to voice their support for a repeal of the changes. The rally was originally planned to piggyback on the town’s Pride Picnic, which was postponed due to weather.… Continue
Review of gender diversity and inclusion policy in schools prompts backlash
News that the Higgs government is reviewing its policy on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools has generated controversy in New Brunswick.
Policy 713, which came into effect in 2020, is meant to set “minimum requirements” to create safe environments for LGBTQ+ students in schools.
The Department of Education has said the review will look, in part, at whether schools should inform parents if their children under 16 want to use a different name or pronoun.
Premier Higgs has said schools should have the obligation to pass that information to parents. Critics have warned that could put the safety of queer and trans children at risk.
At least one Sackville resident travelled to Fredericton for a demonstration against the review on Saturday, May 13.
“Using an individual’s correct pronouns, and chosen name — that has a real, measurable impact on your mental health,” said Patricia Kelly Spurles, a professor at Mount Allison University.
She’s concerned about the review not only as an educator, but also as the parent of a child who came out as trans a few years ago.
In the Legislative Assembly, Higgs defended his approach to the issue during Question Period recently, suggesting it’s a matter of the rights of parents, and that students can have private conversations with school councillors.… Continue