‘It’s not their education’: student says they need to have a say too amidst new legislation

But when it comes to pronoun usage and how much information should be forwarded to parents, that should remain in the hands of the student, she said.

Kids should be able to have an input into whether they want their pronouns getting out or if they want to use a different name, MacDonald said.

“Adults in general, they don’t think of the kids, they think of how it affects them,” she said.

In her high school experience, she had many friends that were trans and wanting to use different names. Some of those came from religious families that would not accept a new identity.

“I know lots of their families are very religious and do not want them going by their other names so at school it was a safe place for them to say ‘hey, this is who I am’ without having their parents try and take that from them,” MacDonald said.

While some people know from a very young age that they might be gay or trans, some discover it at puberty while they are exploring their own identity, she said.

“Those laws, people who have to have permission, that can really affect them and it might not go very well for them, especially if they’re dealing with depression and anxiety,” she said.

She was surprised at the changes announced but said at the same time, it was not surprising.

It was a surprise to the chairperson of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division board of directors, however.

Darlene Rowden said they had no inkling in advance what changes were coming and that they would be implemented immediately.

The board is on summer break and hasn’t had a meeting since June with the next one planned for September.

Sask. Rivers has had no formal policy on the topic but Rowden said they are committed to an inclusive, safe education for their students.

The board has had no formal requests from parents, teachers or students to make changes, she said.

Boards have a limited ability to influence anything that is directed by the Department of Education.

“Because it is an administrative procedure, we will get informed and make sure we understand what those changes are,” she said.

“I have no doubt that Sask Rivers staff care about children and their well-being, their whole well-being.”

The policy changes are already being implemented, but multiple groups, such as the Saskatchewan Pride, are oppose them.

“We urge you to reconsider the recent decision and engage in a thorough consultation process that involves input from educators, students, parents, mental health professionals, and 2SLGTQIA+ advocacy organizations,” the group wrote in a statement posted to social media.

“Collaborative discussion can lead to policies that not only respect parental involvement but also prioritize the emotional and social well-being of all students.”

A protest is being planned for Sunday in Saskatoon.

CONCERNS FROM LOCAL PARENT

While the Education Minister has stood by his decision saying it has the support of many parents, once Prince Albert mother doesn’t agree.

Charity spoke to paNOW about the changes believing it puts LGBTQ youth at risk.

“School is often a place where children go and feel safe outside of their home, and it is unfortunate that many children don’t feel safe at home and don’t feel safe enough to have those conversations with their parents,” she said.

She added the government is taking away those safe spaces for children and doesn’t have a problem with kids changing names or pronouns in schools, as long it doesn’t hurt fellow students.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

‘It’s not their education’: student says they need to have a say too amidst new legislation

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