ROSETOWN - The Sun West School Division is allowing schools in consultation with their respective School Community Council groups to approach LGBTQ2S issues in their own way.
That was part of the official response this reporter received after a reader reached out to The Outlook to point out the following in relation to the June 27 Sun West board meeting minutes that are available on the school division's website.
At the meeting, two motions were presented in relation to events surrounding Pride Month, which spotlights issues and celebrations surrounding LGBTQ2S people. Those motions, with recorded votes, read as follows:
Lytle: 219-10: That as a school board, we model respect for human diversity by flying the Pride flag at the Division office and putting a statement of support on social media.
Lytle requested a recorded vote. Morrow, Itterman, Lytle “For”. Sander, Brummund, Griffith, Nisbet, Whitfield and Collins, “Against”. Defeated
Lytle: 219-11: That the Board ask the student leadership team how they would like the division board to model respect for human diversity in regards to Pride month in June for 2024.
Lytle requested a recorded vote. Morrow, Itterman, Lytle “For”. Sander, Brummund, Griffith, Nisbet, Whitfield and Collins, “Against”. Defeated
In response to questions this reporter had following the reader reaching out to The Outlook, Mike Fedyk, Sun West's coordinator of communications and marketing, provided the following statement from the Board of Education:
"At its June 27 meeting, the Board of Education defeated a motion to fly the PRIDE flag at the Division Office and to recognize PRIDE month on division social media pages. The Board of Education believes there is a need for equity in diversity and recognition in fostering safe and caring environments.
We wish to stress that this motion does not in any way indicate opposition to LGBTQ2S rights.
Our Administrative Procedure 167 Respect for Human Diversity clearly outlines the gender identity and sexual orientation are included as part of diversity and are among the areas where the school division seeks to “reflect and promote everyone’s right to equal concern and respect, and provide an environment which encourages and fosters growth, harmony and equality of opportunities.
The Board of Education felt it should maintain its current approach of allowing each school in consultation with its School Community Council to approach LGBTQ2S issues in its own way. The Board has valued consultation with the students on a number of issues in the past and will continue this practice moving forward.
Board of Education"
