REGINA — Three years after Bill 137 was passed in the Saskatchewan legislature, teachers are fighting for its repeal.
Speaking on the grounds of Regina Public Schools on Wednesday, teacher Alex Schmidt said the bill has led to overcompliance and misinterpretation.
“We're seeing that schools are becoming more and more unsafe in ways that go beyond just outing trans youth to their parents to create a culture that is fearful of diversity, that is encouraging people to be more blatant with their hate or not ask questions.”
Under Bill 137, a student under 16 must disclose a preferred name or gender to their guardians before it is allowed in an educational setting.
Schmidt argues that students continue to grapple with questions about identity.
“Kids still have these questions, kids still have these concerns, kids are still experiencing questions about identity, but that's only respected if they feel like their identity is a safe place.”
The bill also allows a parent or guardian to withdraw a child from sexual health content with provided notice.
Over the past year, members of the Saskatchewan Coalition to Repeal Bill 137 collected more than 600 signatures from students, teachers and parents urging Regina Public Schools to reject compliance with Bill 137.
Coalition member Keegan Grandel said reading through some stories made him very emotional.
“You hear kids talking this way about themselves and about their lives, and I don't know how anyone can't feel emotional.”
As a future teacher, Grandel said the bill limits teachers from connecting with students, affecting their ability to perform.
“It takes a lot to get students engaged, and so at the minimum, for them to like us, to trust us, to care what we have to say, that is going to make all the difference in their education.”
Schmidt is hopeful Regina Public Schools can develop policy action that will make schools feel safer. Meanwhile, Grandel wants all anti-trans policies to be removed from Regina Public Schools’ administrative procedures.
“We hope they’ll replace them with trans-affirming ones.”
In a statement sent to SaskToday, Regina Public Schools said it takes great pride in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Regina Public Schools noted that as a publicly funded system, it is required to meet all provincial legislation and policy requirements.
"Regina Public Schools' policies and administrative procedures are thoughtfully designed to align with provincial legislation, while empowering teachers and school-based staff to do what they do best — keeping students safe while ensuring meaningful, high-quality learning continues every day. We are very proud of the work done by our teachers, leaders and students."
The school board says it will continue supporting students and teachers so everyone can succeed.
As for Saskatchewan repealing the bill, Grandel remains positive that it will eventually happen.
"I feel that with continued support from the community, support from the trustees, support from the provincial government, I do believe that we will eventually repeal the bill."
