All Regina Public Schools (RPS) employees took part in a new diversity training seminar about the new Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD) procedures..According to the new manual, the RPS “commits to the elimination of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and oppression by breaking down barriers that lead to inequitable outcomes.”.“The staff of Regina Public Schools have a responsibility to ensure the divisions’ workplaces do not perpetuate stereotyping, bias, discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or inequality, and to respond with timely intervention when these become evident,” states the manual..RPS expects all employees to model the new inclusive cultural norms, including the GSD..“Modelling inclusive culture norms and behaviours by demonstrating commitment and action towards gender and sexual diversity and anti-racism/anti-oppressive practices to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community.”.RPS said it wants persistent action to eliminate the bias in its schools..“The division is committed to creating increased awareness and understanding that systemic and individual bias, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and oppression, exist within the school division, and may be perpetuated unless explicit, persistent, and determined action is taken to identify, challenge, and overcome them,” states the manual..The RPS said it also wants an inclusive workplace for all its “employees regardless of real or perceived sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.”.RPS is now requiring that all “equity and inclusive principles” be applied across all GSD people..“Modelling respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities and understanding equity and inclusive principles apply to all sexual orientations and gender identities,” states the manual..Across all the RPS, it will create a “welcoming environment” for all individuals by using diversity in all areas..“Creating and sustaining a welcoming environment in common spaces that reflects social and cultural diversity through signage, art, ceremonial spaces, language, and inclusive cultural practices and protocols.”.RPS is embedding anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices into how it operates..“Embedding anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices into the division’s educational and operational functions to ensure racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and oppression are not tolerated,” states the manual..If someone sees any discrimination, they have to report it if it violates the new GSD policies..“Reporting matters of harassment and discrimination in compliance with the Division’s policies and procedures, specifically AP 406 Employee Harassment, which includes the steps to report incidents of discrimination or harassment,” states the manual..RPS is clamping down on all discrimination with enhanced reporting procedures..“Ensuring all reports of discrimination and harassment towards staff are documented and follow the appropriate procedures of reporting.”.RPS is reviewing all its documents and publications to make sure inclusive and non-discriminatory language is used..“Critically reviewing division documents, publications, and other works to ensure the use of inclusive and non-discriminatory language and images that reflect social and cultural diversity. Specifically, this work includes adding or modifying language related to gender and sexual diversity, anti-racism/anti-oppression, physical disabilities, and mental health and well-being,” states the manual..There is nothing in the new manual about what the penalties are for RPS employees who do not comply with the new GSD requirements.
