All students deserve to feel included at school and to learn in an environment that is affirming and safe. For over a year, this was not the case for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in New Brunswick due to the previous government’s rollback of inclusive education guidelines in Policy 713. The changes removed protections for trans and gender diverse students and prevented many of those students from using their chosen names and pronouns in school – causing serious harm to their mental health and wellbeing.
Today, Premier Susan Holt announced the reversal of the most discriminatory elements of previous amendments to Policy 713. This decision represents an important step towards recognizing the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and demonstrates a renewed commitment to their inclusion and safety. We encourage the government to continue to listen to and work with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure that the policy moving forward will foster the most inclusive school environments possible.
Chroma NB will continue to advocate alongside our community and our partners, to ensure that this decision translates into actions that truly meet the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. We know from the evidence that affirming school environments are critical for the wellbeing of gender diverse youth. Together, we can ensure safe schools where every young person feels affirmed and free to be themselves.
Media Contact:
admin@chromanb.ca
Alex Ash, Executive Director of Chroma NB
Chroma: Pride, Inclusion, Equality Inc. is a community organization focusing on advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Menahqesk/Saint John. Our goal is to promote initiatives and highlight issues impacting our community by maintaining a strong cohesive voice. We promote inclusion through our programs and services, and address community needs including basic human rights, employment equality, health and well-being, and housing in collaboration with our local community partners.