Part 3 — Responsibilities and Dispute Resolution Division 1 Responsibilities
35.1 Support for student organizations
board request a staff member employed by the board for support to
establish a voluntary student organization, or to lead an activity
intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe
learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of
belonging, the principal of the school shall
(a) permit the establishment of the student organization or the
holding of the activity at the school, and
(b) designate a staff member to serve as the staff liaison to
facilitate the establishment, and the ongoing operation, of
the student organization or to assist in organizing the
activity.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an organization or activity
includes an organization or activity that promotes equality and
non-discrimination with respect to, without limitation, race,
religious belief, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
physical disability, mental disability, family status or sexual
orientation, including but not limited to organizations such as
gay-straight alliances, diversity clubs, anti-racism clubs and
anti-bullying clubs.
(3) The students may select a respectful and inclusive name for the
organization, including the name "gay-straight alliance" or "queer-
straight alliance", after consulting with the principal.
(4) The principal shall immediately inform the board and the
Minister if no staff member is available to serve as a staff liaison
referred to in subsection (1), and if so informed, the Minister shall
appoint a responsible adult to work with the requesting students in
organizing the activity or to facilitate the establishment, and the
ongoing operation, of the student organization at the school.
(5) If a staff member indicates to a principal a willingness to act as
a staff liaison under subsection (1),
(a) a principal shall not inform a board or the Minister under
subsection (4) that no staff member is available to serve as a
staff liaison, and
(b) that staff member shall be deemed to be available to serve as
the staff liaison.
2015 c1 s2