The Child & Youth Advocate Office is reviewing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy for Yukon schools
- childyouthadvocate
- Jun 27, 2024
- 2 min read
The Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office (YCAO) is conducting a comprehensive review of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy for Yukon public schools at the request of the Minister of Education, the Honourable Jeanie McLean. YCAO is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly, and the YCAO review will contribute to the transparency and accountability of the Department of Education’s commitment to the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan.
SOGI policies play a crucial role in fostering environments where children and youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions can thrive. The review by the YCAO aims to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Education’s current SOGI policy in promoting and sustaining a supportive and accepting atmosphere within schools.
“We have seen the detrimental effects that occur when children and youth are not heard, or their views are not considered in the decisions, programs, and policies that affect them,” said Annette King, Yukon Child and Youth Advocate. “There are many children’s rights affected by SOGI policies, and it is a fine balance to ensure they are all upheld effectively. SOGI policies are instrumental in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can learn and grow in an environment free from discrimination and prejudice."
The review will examine various aspects of SOGI policies, including their implementation and their impact on students' experiences. It seeks to identify strengths and areas for improvement to better support the diverse needs of children and youth across the education system. Research consistently shows that inclusive school environments positively impact students' mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. By promoting acceptance and understanding of diverse identities from a young age, schools can help create a more equitable society for future generations.
YCAO is encouraging participation in their review process. The input collected throughout the course of the review will be instrumental in shaping recommendations that reflect the needs and perspectives of those directly affected by the SOGI policy.
YCAO expects to provide a report outlining its findings and recommendations from the review to the Department of Education by the fall of 2025.
For more information on the review of the SOGI policy in Yukon schools, please contact the Child and Youth Advocate Office at info@ycao.ca or (867) 456-5575.
---
The Child & Youth Advocate Office is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly. The operations of the office are guided by the Child and Youth Advocate Act. Children, youth or others concerned about a child or youth receiving services within Yukon Government can contact the Child and Youth Advocate Office at (867) 456-5575.
Contact: Rachel Veinott-McKeough
Systemic Advocacy Representative
Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office
(867) 456-5575
Hey, I was dreaming about buying a new iPhone but saving money felt impossible since I kept losing whenever I tried different games. After a rough streak, I stumbled upon https://plinko.co.za and decided to risk a little more than usual. That one move turned into a big win and finally changed the whole game for me. Now I’m much closer to affording the phone, and I’d totally suggest giving it a try.