The New Brunswick government is reversing the previous Progressive Conservative government policy requiring parental consent for teachers to use children’s preferred names or pronouns.
The province announced the changes in a Dec. 19 press release as part of a commitment made by the recently elected Liberal government. Under the revised Policy 713, students under 16 can have their preferred names or pronouns used by teachers and school members without parental consent in an informal context, such as social interactions or class lists.
Parental consent is still required for formal use of preferred names or pronouns, such as in school records.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said the changes are in the best interest of students, families, and school staff. “It is essential that schools are inclusive and safe spaces,” she said in the release….