Students from St. Stephen High School recently staged a walkout in support of Policy 713, a policy that aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students. 713 helps guide teachers and school administrators with sexual orientation and gender identity. It requires them to respect pronouns and chosen names and requires gender-neutral bathrooms, among other protections for students. Grade 11 student Tristan White, who identifies as an ally, organized the walkout in St. Stephen.

"I have a lot of friends who can't come out at home and, if 713 is taken away, it will make teachers have to disclose when a student decides to have a pronoun change or a name change, which basically is forcing teachers to out students who may not have a safe home where they can be open about their sexuality," said White.

Policy 713 is currently under review by the provincial government, which has sparked concerns among students, educators, and politicians. Three municipal district of St. Stephen councillors--Marg Harding, David Hyslop and Emily Rodas--joined St. Stephen High students at the walkout to show their support.

"I just think it's really great as somebody who identifies as gay myself and somebody who's on town council, to really show these youth that we support youth and we support them engaging in politics in the community," said Councillor Rodas.

The review of policy 713 was initiated by the Department of Education in April, in part to determine if parents should be more informed about how their children identity at school. Advocates for 713, however, say not all children have a safe and accepting home to return to, making the current policy invaluable to students who are at greater risk of mental health issues, parental abuse and suicide. The government's decision to expand the review to include access to washroom facilities based on gender identity has further raised concerns about the potential impact on the rights and safety of transgender students.

"If you say you're an ally and do nothing to help out the cause, it's just saying something.," said White. "Actions speak louder than words."

The St. Stephen High School walkout, among others at schools across the province, show a united front in protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQI2S+ students. The review of the policy has triggered a broader discussion on human rights and the responsibility of the government to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.