In my submission today, I may use the term “gender-diverse” along with the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ to recognize and affirm the wide range of gender identities, expressions and family structures present in schools and classrooms across our province.
Alberta's Education Act requires teachers to provide welcoming, caring and inclusive environments that foster diversity and belonging for all students. Recent changes to legislation, however, undermine this mandate by compelling teachers to disclose students' gender identities without their permission. This new legislation is deeply harmful to gender-diverse children and youth.
Disclosing a student's gender identity to their parents or guardians without the student's consent can result in family rejection, abuse or homelessness. Research shows that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are four times more likely than their peers to attempt suicide. In jurisdictions where similar legislation has passed, suicide attempts among trans and non-binary youth have increased by 72%. Recent Canadian research has found that up to 40% of homeless youth in Canada identify as gender-diverse, with identity-based family conflict being a significant factor in their homelessness.
These alarming statistics must serve as a wake-up call, not just for teachers and school leaders but also for the public and all levels of government. Gender-diverse youth are already at significant risk, and their struggles are already well known. It's confounding that our provincial government is going out of its way to punch down on gender-diverse youth. Instead, they should be investing in policies and programs to affirm and support the health and success of all students.
Our gender-diverse students know about the changes to this legislation. They know their pronouns and chosen names could be revealed without their consent, and this significantly reduces their safety at school. My teaching colleagues and I are deeply concerned about these changes and fear they will result in the erosion of trust between teachers and students. Trust is the foundation of a safe learning environment.
Another concerning element of the recent legislation is the requirement for all parents to opt in for their children to participate in any discussions concerning human sexuality and gender identity. Previously, there was an opt-out option for parents. This new requirement does not address current problems. Instead, it causes a chilling effect that ultimately risks excluding students from vital conversations about identity, belonging and sexual health. When teachers cannot discuss 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, it sends a message to gender-diverse students that they should be ashamed of who they are and that they are a problem that needs to be fixed, ignored or ushered back into the shadows. We want every student to know—especially those who identify as gender-diverse or have family members who do—that we support them. Research shows that an inclusive curriculum improves school climate and contributes to student belonging and success.
Finally, I want to highlight concerns about gender policies in school sports.
Participation in extracurriculars provides students with a vital sense of belonging, helps them feel valued, and fosters their personal growth and confidence. Ensuring fair and inclusive access and participation is essential, yet the Alberta government has enacted legislation that restricts access to these activities without providing the thoughtful and nuanced approach required. This legislation has already resulted in trans and non-binary youth withdrawing from school clubs and sports, which risks isolating them further.
As a teacher for more than 25 years, I've supported countless students through challenging times. The first question I always ask them is, “Are you okay?” Sadly, in my career, I have students who are not. I have lost several to suicide, and this breaks my heart. As educators, my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in an environment that celebrates their worth and potential. We must build a future where learning is not overshadowed by fear or rejection but illuminated by compassion, acceptance and opportunity.
We are in a pivotal moment. We need to ensure classrooms remain safe spaces for all students, and that schools have the resources to support gender-diverse students, their teachers and their families. We can do better. We must do better. If we do not, we have failed our students, their teachers and their families.
Make no mistake: This legislation in Alberta will hurt our most vulnerable students and their families. It already has. It takes away their right to privacy, it has caused fear and uncertainty, and it undermines the very principles of inclusion, respect and safety that our schools should stand for.
I'm proud that The Alberta Teachers' Association remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all students.
Thank you.