By Julia Smith, General Member
New Brunswicks Policy 713, which came into practice on August 17th, 2020, was initially created to set baseline requirements for school districts and public schools to create a "safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming school environment for all students, families, and allies who identify or are perceived as LGBTQI2S+". Since the bill's creation, parental consent has always been required for students under 16 to change their names on legal and official documents. Still, parental consent was not necessary to use a child's preferred name in the classroom setting or the child's preferred pronouns.
On Wednesday, August 23rd, Bill Hogan, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development of New Brunswick, called a conference to share the news that Bill 713 has been adjusted for the quickly approaching school year to make it clear that teachers will now need parental consent to address a child under 16 by their preferred name or pronoun in the classroom. It is widely recognized that using one's preferred name and pronouns is a fundamental aspect of gender identity affirmation. When students are denied the ability to respect and acknowledge their identity within the educational setting, it can increase stress, anxiety, and isolation. These negative emotions can impact a student's mental health and academic performance.
The requirement for parental consent in such a context can also deter students from seeking help or support from teachers and school staff. They may worry that reaching out for assistance could inadvertently disclose their LGBTQI2S+ identity to unsupportive parents, further amplifying their distress. In cases where parents are not supportive of their child's LGBTQI2S+ identity, the fear of potential abuse stems from the realization that students might be compelled to conform to their assigned birth gender against their will, suppressing their true selves. Such a situation could manifest in various ways, including verbal and emotional abuse, threats of withdrawal of familial support, or even attempts at conversion therapy.
Due to the endless number of possible negative implications stemming from the bill, two New Brunswick school boards are toying with the possibility of making slight amendments, as they have the power to "improve or strengthen a provincial policy, but can't do anything contrary to the provincial policy,"
Anglophone West and Francophone Northwest councils say they will listen to input from parents before making a decision, as;
"[They] respect the parents too, but if a kid says that 'if I go home and tell them about this, I'm maybe not welcomed at home anymore'... Our first responsibility is to the person sitting before us, the kids." - Anglophone East Council chair Harry Doyl.
As New Brunswick school boards consider possible amendments to this policy, it is crucial to reflect on the impact it may have on students' lives. The question remains: How can we ensure that our educational system truly supports and respects the identities of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Should the focus be on strengthening the policy to safeguard the well-being of LGBTQI2S+ students or finding a middle ground that respects parental concerns while prioritizing the students' needs? The path forward requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment.
What will you do in this fight for justice?
I encourage you to read the following resources to inform yourself about this issue further: