Background
Grasslands School Division recognizes the required processes to comply with Bill 27: Education Amendment Act, 2024 regarding students' preferred name and pronoun usage with respecting students' dignity and parental rights.
Definitions
Independent Student means a student who is
(i) 18 years of age or older, or
(ii) 16 years of age or older and
- living independently as determined by a board in accordance with section 6 of the Education Act, or
- a party to an agreement under section 57.2 or the Child, Youth & Family Enhancement Act.
New preferred name or pronoun means a name or pronoun that varies from the name or pronoun that teachers, teacher leaders, and other school staff have regularly used when referring to the student and the student prefers for reasons related to the student's gender identity.
Guidelines
This administrative procedure applies to:
1.1. student requests in which a new preferred name or pronoun be used by school staff when referring to the student in school after September 1, 2025 and does not apply to students who have changed their preferred name or pronoun prior to September 1, 2025, and
1.2. gender-based name changes.
This administrative procedure does not apply to:
2.1. independent students,
2.2. conversations between students or between students and staff regarding one's preferred name or pronoun, and
2.3. non-gender based name changes.
Procedures
When a student requests that a new preferred name or pronoun be used by school staff when referring to the student in school, the school shall notify the student's parents of the request.
School staff shall only use the new preferred name or pronouns when referring to the dependent student in school
2.1. in the case of a student who is 16 or 17 years of age, once the student's parent is notified, or
2.2. in the case of a student who is under 16 years of age,
2.2.1. once the student's parent is notified ,and
2.2.2. once the parent provides consent.
Where notifying the student's parent is reasonably expected to cause emotional or psychological harm to the student or the student requests assistance, the school shall ensure the student is provided with counselling or other assistance before notifying the student's parent.
3.1. This could include supports such as wellness mentors, social workers and other school-based supports (teachers, school administrators, etc.)
3.2. After notification, students and families can access mental health services through Counselling Alberta.
Modifications made as a result of actions in 2.1 and 2.2 must also be recorded in Administrative Procedures 915: Student Records.
Reference:
Bill 27: Education Amendment Act
Education Act
Administrative Procedure 301
Administrative Procedure 915