A new resource was introduced to Hanover School Division this year to direct teachers through situations regarding gender identity.

Superintendent Randy Dueck says the new “Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in Manitoba Schools” document has become the go-to guide for constructively approaching situations in which gender identity is a factor.

Dueck indicates the document draws attention to items such as supporting each student’s individual learning process, using proper pronouns, and attending to special requests for accommodation.

“We live in a country where human rights are respected,” explains Dueck, “All folks represented by this [document] have a place in our schools, and something to contribute to our schools, and we are going to make sure it’s a great place for everybody”

According to Dueck, Hanover administration has been using the document for a year already and decided it was a valuable tool that all teachers and staff should have access too. For any who are curious about the contained information, Dueck suggests reading the document on the Manitoba Education and Training Website, he mentions the document is also referenced within the HSD Respect for Human Diversity Policy.

“Primarily it means we are going to do our best to make students feel welcome and safe so that our schools can be places where they can be nourished in their learning,” says Dueck who believes Hanover schools should be the kind of environment where every child’s learning is optimized regardless of any diversity.