Article appeared in the Oct 13 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
Grade 12 Gimli High School student, Jennifer Kahler, introduced herself to the Evergreen School board at its Oct. 5 meeting. She will be sitting at the table with board members as the student rep. from the Evergreen Student Council two times each month.
Kahler, who plans to study Psychology at the University of Winnipeg next year, was inspired by friend, Samantha Ward, who held the position last year. She decided that she, too, would take on the role that provides student input into the shaping of Evergreen School Division policy.
”I just went out on a limb. My friend, Sam Ward, had good things to say.” Kahler said.
One example where students have influenced school policy is the anti homophobia procedure that was adopted by the Evergreen School Board this September. It came about through the collaboration between students and staff, with input from the student council and the Social Justice Committee.
All of the schools will have to establish procedures and practices in their code of conduct that supports the new procedure. An inclusive curriculum is part of the vision, and the protection of human rights will be a priority regardless of students’ orientation. In addition, Gay/Straight Alliance clubs (GSAs) will be supported at high schools where students request them, and where staff is willing to volunteer their time.
“It’s a new rule. We are just wondering what we can do to make people aware that it’s there.””Everybody’s feeling pretty strongly about this anti-homophobia,” she said.
This year, Student Council created a Respect Ed. Team, made up of more than a dozen grades 10 to 12 students from the Gimli, Riverton and Arborg high schools. At their most recent meeting they talked about homophobia, inclusion, cliques, and bullying. They want to do something to change it. The Respect Ed Team plans to go from school to school in the division and talk about the issues.
“I’m quite impressed with this group. I wish I had gotten involved with it earlier,” Kahler said. “This group is more about what we can change in the school.”
Kahler revealed that at least three of her friends in Gimli are gay, and suspects that there is a handful in each community.
“I feel it’s a problem. It may not be as noticeable in Gimli, Kahler said. “The fact that people are afraid to come out in Gimli shows there is a problem.”
“I believe that in our lifetime we’re not going to fix homophobia—with religion, it’s deeply ingrained in some people…If this is a first step, I’m glad to be a part of it,” Kahler said.
