Saskatchewan’s largest school divisions have begun posting new bathroom and change room policies spelling out transgender students rights, meeting a provincial deadline that takes effect next week.The directive was issued in March after weeks of debate.Regina Public Schools Policy 353 now lets students use any washroom or change room that matches their “gender identity.”The policy also highlights gender neutral rooms and single stall spaces for anyone wanting extra privacy.Saskatoon Public Schools put similar rules in place. Administrative Procedure 329 says every pupil “has the right to a safe space,” and requires every school to keep at least one private washroom or changing area..Outside the two big cities, Prairie Valley School Division uploaded “Student Facilities Use.” It endorses self selection of facilities, sets out a confidential record system, and tells principals how to arrange single use rooms on request.Catholic boards have moved, too. Holy Trinity Catholic Schools in Regina approved a policy on June 25 that follows the same principles and promises staff training on inclusion. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools adopted Policy 910 on June 20.It allows students to choose the facility that feels right and offers clear directions for alternative single user rooms..Prairie Spirit School Division updated Administrative Procedure 340 this month. It reaffirms the right to use spaces aligned with gender identity while adding an “opt-in” for private stalls.Horizon School Division released detailed change room practices that stress dignity, safety, and family collaboration. The rules say principals must provide privacy, supervise respectfully, and engage parents in any accommodation plans.The school boards seem to be ignoring the Parents Rights Bill (Bill 137) and using the Canadian Human Rights Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and Saskatchewan Human Rights Code as the basis for their policies..Changing room policies became a major issue during the fall Saskatchewan provincial election when parents objected to a Sask NDP MLA’s transgender children using the grade 7 girls change room..EXCLUSIVE: Sask school allows boys in Grade 7 female changing room, parents outraged.Premier Scott Moe said it would be his government’s first act if re-elected. .Moe plans ‘biological sex’ changing room policy for schools.However, Moe walked that back after getting re-elected. .Moe breaks campaign promise to parents, retreats on biological sex changing room policy.Education Ministry ordered all 27 divisions to post localized policies by June 30. .Officials say each document must be easy to find online and shared with staff, students, and families. While the ministry set the timetable, it left wording to elected boards, encouraging consultation “to reflect local values and student needs.”Some divisions, including Chinook, Northern Lights, and Sun West, had not yet published their procedures by Friday afternoon. However, they are expected to be posted soon.Parents who hoped for safe female only spaces will be disappointed as all of the policies from the school boards prioritized “gender identity” over any other issue.The ministry said it will review all policies after they go live and may issue further guidance in the fall.
