The provincial government passed legislation March 10 that enabled Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to be established in schools, following months of contentious debate.
Proponents of GSAs have long been advocates of the benefits of the clubs.
“(GSAs) build relationships between different groups of people – so whether kids identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) or straight, it takes away (being excluded) from kids who are in the minority,” said Kayla Jessen, president of the Airdrie Pride Society. “They say we are all one big group who are going to stand up to (discrimination).”
GSAs are student-led clubs that provide both LGBTQ and straight students space to discuss and collaborate.
Springbank High School is among the schools in the Rocky View Schools (RVS) division that currently runs a GSA, and principal Pam Davidson said it was the responsibility of administration to support student-led initiatives.
“I think, like any club, students want to have a place that’s safe and secure,” she said. “It’s important to provide kids (places) to meaningfully connect to their school. We’ll do our best to facilitate (these clubs).”
Bill 10 was put on hold Dec. 4, 2014 after Albertans largely reacted negatively to legislation that did not require school boards to implement the clubs after they were requested by students. With amendments made March 10, students may now set up GSAs and meet on school property, may use the names GSA or QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance) and will enshrine sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and gender expression in the Alberta Bill of Rights as protected grounds from discrimination.
“Today, we passed an amended Bill 10 that responds to all of those Albertans, including members of opposition parties, who spoke so passionately about protecting our youth. Any students who want a Gay-Straight Alliance will have one at their school,” said Premier Jim Prentice in a press release.
Previous to legislation being passed, schools in the Rocky View Schools (RVS) division were able to establish GSAs with help from administration.
RVS superintendent of schools Don Hoium said it was important to schools in the division to support diversity and inclusion.
“The schools that have (GSAs), they were requested (by students). We think it’s important to respect diversity,” he said.
“We are an inclusive school division, and we believe in accepting and respecting diversity.”
The bill enabling GSAs awaits royal assent, and would become law June 1.
