Non-gendered uniform rules make school more inclusive
A Calgary private school has opted to remove the gender requirements for its school uniforms in a move administration says will bring it more in line with the Alberta government’s guidelines to create more inclusive schools.
This year, the Calgary French and International School decided to remove the “boys” and “girls” categories in its online catalogue for uniform options. That means all students will have access to the same options, regardless of gender.
“This summer, while we were revising our guidelines, we realized that removing the gender requirements brought (the uniforms) in line much more with who we are as a school,” says Nicola Camirand, the school’s principal of elementary.
To its knowledge, the French and International School is the first school in Alberta to remove the gender requirements on its uniforms, the school says.
Last year, the Alberta government released guidelines for schools in order to make them more inclusive of LGBTQ students. School boards across the province were required to demonstrate they had policies that protected gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, questioning and/ or gender-diverse students, teachers and family members.
“When we take a look at our mission, we talk about preparing students for their role as ethical, well-rounded citizens with a focus on the whole student,” Camirand says.
CFS is also a UNESCO member school. According to the Associated Schools Project Network, member schools “work in support of international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and quality education in practice.”
Dr. Tonya Callaghan, an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education, says removing the gender requirements for school uniforms goes a long way to making students feel more comfortable, particularly if they identify as transgender or gender creative.
“Making divisions on basis of gender … can be exceedingly uncomfortable for any individual who identifies differently or is somehow diverse on that spectrum,” says Callaghan.
According to the province’s new guidelines, gender-diverse students should be able to choose which school bathrooms they want to use, as well as the names, pronouns and clothing that represent their gender identity, and participate in activities, including sports teams, congruent with their gender identity.
While uniform change might be a small step, both Camirand and Callaghan say it makes a big difference.
“Parents have recognized that it’s a true reflection of who we are as a school. The students as well are quite positive about the change,” Camirand says. “It’s created opportunities to have discussions and opening the door to conversation, which has been very rich and rewarding.”
It’s a progressive move — one that can’t be “overstated,” Callaghan adds.
“It’s a matter of life and death for trans youth to be able to feel comfortable in their schools,” she says.
Though Alberta Education Minister David Eggen didn’t comment on the Calgary French and International School specifically, he says school authorities have made “great strides” in developing policies that support students and staff.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that all schools are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe,” Eggen said in an emailed statement.
Callaghan says what CFS has done is a “great move” toward making schools more inclusive.
“There’s still lots of work to be done, but I think this school is at the vanguard of the work and showing excellent leadership,” she says.