Questions are swirling as New Brunswick reviews its policy on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Policy 713 is meant to ensure there is a supportive environment for students, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It sets minimum requirements for school districts and schools to “create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming school environment for all students, families, and allies who identify or are perceived as LGBTQI2S+.”
Education Minister Bill Hogan faced questions from the Liberals and the Green Party in the legislature on Tuesday.
Liberal MLA Francine Landry questioned the need to review a policy that was only implemented in 2020.
“After only two years, the policy is now up for review by the Department of Education. Would the minister please explain the reasons for review,” Landry said.
Hogan declined to give a reason for the review and provided a similar answer to many of the questions he faced on Tuesday.
“We will ensure that we have safe, inclusive and respectful schools for our children and for our teachers and that we will continue to respect the Charter of Rights in Canada,” said the minister in response to Landry.
News of the review came days after protesters gathered outside of a professional learning conference for teachers in Fredericton on Friday, where one of the sessions was about Policy 713.
Later that afternoon, Hogan issued a statement distancing his government from the Council Day sessions that were taking place.
In the statement, the minister said his department had received “a number of calls with concerns” regarding the sessions.
“These sessions are not organized by the provincial government and any questions regarding these sessions should be directed to the respective organizations,” said Hogan.
Liberal leader Susan Holt said she struggled with the minister’s comments regarding the sessions that were taking place.
“By issuing that press release absolving the minister of responsibility, the minister has created an unsafe environment for students in our schools,” said Holt.
The Liberal leader asked Hogan to reveal more details about the concerns that were brought forward. The minister responded by reiterating previous comments about ensuring safe, inclusive and respectful schools.
Department officials did not respond to our request for comment on Monday regarding the province’s decision to review the policy and what sort of changes could be made.
The Liberals said initiating this review puts LGBTQI2S+ students and educators “at risk for targeted harassment, violence, and left them wondering if they will have a safe place in our education system.”
Meanwhile, Green Party leader David Coon said he is very concerned that the province is considering changes to Policy 713.
“We are talking about some of the most vulnerable young people in our province. Their schools must continue to be safe and affirming spaces,” Coon said in a statement.
Coon went on to say he was disappointed that Hogan chose to distance himself from the workshop that was held on Friday rather than standing with his teachers.
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