Guidelines for Inclusive Catholic Schools: Policy Implementation in Alberta's Washroom Wars

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Equity and Social Inclusion in School Policy and Practice

Abstract

In January, 2016, the Alberta Government published guidelines to outline best practices for schools to create an inclusive environment for gender and sexually diverse students, following an intensive debate over washroom use by a transgender elementary student. The author investigates reactions to implementing these guidelines through the case study of a transphobic rap song created by an Albertan mother following the publication of the guidelines. This case demonstrates that, where supportive legislation exists, parental and community support is critical for creating inclusive Catholic schools. In terms of policy implementation, there are three distinct barriers to the implementation of this policy and, more broadly, inclusive spaces in public schools: (1) Catholic doctrine; (2) school authorities; and (3) parents and community members.

Authors

• Tonya D. Callaghan, University of Calgary

• Alix Esterhuizen, University of Calgary