The Fort MacMurray Public School District is one of the first districts in Alberta to adopt an LGBT policy, becoming just the eighth school district in Alberta to adopt such a policy. The policy provides protections for students who have gender identity and sexual orientation concerns. According to the reports the LGBT policy adopted by the Fort MacMurray Public School District promises that all students will be treated “fairly, equitably and with respect”, including students who choose to identify as lesbian bisexual, gay, transgender, or queer. The policy is designed to be inclusive so that all students feel more comfortable at school. The new policy was passed by the school board last Wednesday.

The LGBT policy at the Fort MacMurray Public School District means that the students have the ability to create gay straight alliances, and these students can expect the support of the school principal in their efforts to form this type of alliance. The policy also makes it clear that students can expect their confidentiality to be respected by the school. Fort MacMurray Public School District associate superintendent Brenda Sautner said “This group of students…they have reported higher rates of bullying, they think about suicide more often, they are excluded more often, they are harassed more often than typical youth in group settings. This policy will ensure that we have a safer, more respectful, inclusive welcoming environment for these students who are perceived to be as different.” All students should feel free to be who they really are, and just because a student is at school does not mean they should have to hide their true identity out of fear of bullying or harassment by other students.