2SLGBTQ+ Student Rights, Legislation, School Policies, and SOGI Education in Alberta

Author: Olivia Neufeldt

During the fall of 2023, there have been protests across Canada regarding the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ students and the use of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) resources in classrooms. One side argues students have a right to self-identification and access to SOGI education, and the other arguing that parents should be informed if their child wants to change their pronouns and/or use a preferred name at school and that it is inappropriate to expose children to SOGI topics in school settings. As these topics have received more discussion and debate among students, parents, schools, media, and governments, misinformation has become rampant. The purpose of this report is to provide clarity about the legislation and policies that protect 2SLGBTQ+ students in Alberta and explain what SOGI resources are and how they are used in Alberta schools. The purpose of this report is to provide clarity about the legislation and policies that protect 2SLGBTQ+ students in Alberta and explain what SOGI resources are and how they are used in Alberta schools.