Transgender policy for Vancouver schools draws fire
Support for transgender students comes under fire from some trustees who fear property values will fall
From protest lines to picket lines to hockey lines, it has been another fascinating year in the news in B.C.
We want to know: which story mattered most to you?
Click on the link below to see our complete list, then vote.
Vote now for B.C.'s Top Story of 2014
The Vancouver School Board came under fire from parents and some trustees in May and June for a new policy supporting transgender students.
The new guidelines allowed transgender students to be addressed by the name that corresponds with their own gender identity, and to use the washroom of their choice.
- Transgender policy adopted by Vancouver School Board
- Transgender policy prompts mother's plea to Vancouver School Board
- Schools' gender identity policy sparks debate in Vancouver
The move didn't sit well with some parents, who accused the school board of pushing the policy through without consulting them first.
"It is inappropriate for teachers to be writing up a policy without having approval by the B.C. College of Physicians and College of Psychologists," said Cheryl Chang, chair of the Parent Advisory Council for Lord Byng Secondary School.
School trustees Sophia Woo and Ken Denike also opposed the policy change, saying it could affect enrolment in public schools and real estate values on the city's West Side.
The pair were expelled from the Non Partisan Association caucus for their stance, and ultimately lost their bid to sit as independents on the school board in the fall civic elections.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.