Friday, August 27, 2010
On September 1, 2010, Section 11.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act comes into force. The section requires school boards to notify parents where "courses of study, educational programs or instructional materials, or instruction or exercises include subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with religion, human sexuality, religious themes or sexual orientation." School boards must provide parents with the opportunity to exempt their children from instruction that primarily and explicitly involves this subject matter. It is important to note that Section 11.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act does not apply to incidental or indirect references to this subject matter. Alberta Education has updated the Guide to Education to reflect these changes. Parents may wish to review pages 71 to 73 to learn more about the changes. At the beginning of the school year or semester, school principals will be providing parents with notification, including how to exempt their children from the subject matter described above. Parents who have questions should contact their principal of their child's school.
Edmonton Public Schools is helping to shape the future in every one of our classrooms. We’re focused on ensuring each student learns to their full potential and develops the ability, passion and imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community.
Edmonton Public Schools
Centre for Education
1 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4G9