Schools and boards are required by law to develop and enforce standards for appropriate student behaviour, and the new Education Act requires boards to establish a student code of conduct that specifically addresses bullying behavior.
Sexual and gender minority students face disproportionate rates of bullying, which can have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, guidelines related to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ students have remained controversial for some and they have turned to school board elections as a way to advance their views on this issue. Lobby groups have even started to support and endorse candidates over these issues.
Candidates should be asked about their views on creating safe learning environments for all students and how to specifically support sexual and gender minority students. Candidates should also be asked if they feel schools should be required to notify parents when their child attends a GSA meeting.