TORONTO, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The passage today of Bill 13, the Accepting Schools Act, improves schools' ability to prevent and stop student bullying,
according to the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).
The amendments to the bill demonstrate that minority governments can be
productive when there is cooperation among the parties.
"The bill certainly strengthens the policies and strategies needed to
effectively address incidents of student bullying," said ETFO President
Sam Hammond. "For example, the legislation requires more diligence on
the part of principals to investigate and report back on such
incidents."
"We believe it's important that the legislation requires professional
development on bullying prevention for classroom teachers and other
school staff," said Hammond. "However that training needs to be
adequately funded if it's to be effective."
"Just as all teachers are expected to stand up against racism, sexism,
and other forms of discrimination, so too must they stand up and
protect students from homophobia and transphobia," added Hammond.
"We're pleased that neither a board nor principal may prevent students
from using the name 'gay-straight alliance' if they wish to start such
a student organization."
ETFO recently hosted a first-ever symposium for Grades 7 and 8 teachers
who want to start GSAs in their schools.
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000
elementary public school teachers and education professionals across
the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.
