WINNIPEG — One of Manitoba's largest school divisions has approved what is believed to be the province's first policy for transgender and gender non-conforming students.
Trustees with the Winnipeg School Division voted unanimously for the motion Monday night.
It will lay out procedures for language use, bathroom and change room use and participation in sports teams.
Trustee Lisa Naylor, who brought forward the motion, says her policy will offer guidelines to teachers on what to do in specific situations.
The policy will be developed by division staff before going to a program committee for final review.
The community will be invited to speak about it at a special board meeting Nov. 9.
Naylor said all input will be taken into consideration, but ultimately will not change the outcome of the board’s decision.
The school division already has anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies that encompass transgender students. But Naylor said having a program that specifically focuses on their needs will help staff support them.
"How do we help a child if the parents aren’t supportive? How do we manage things like school field trips?"
About 165 students, or less than one per cent of the division's school population, are transgender.
