Hanover School Division board passes first reading for student activism policy

Students looking to practice their right to activism in the Hanover School Division will have to be supervised by their teachers and their activities approved by their principals.

During the last board meeting before summer break, trustees gave first reading to Policy JJ – Activism In Schools, which defines activism, how it will be conducted, and what can and cannot be advocated for or against.

“The division supports age-appropriate student activism that aligns with educational goals, promotes respectful dialogue, and contributes to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. This policy establishes expectations and guidelines for activism activities within HSD schools,” said trustee Brad Unger as he read from the policy.

Unger introduced the motion to create the policy during the regular board meeting on May 5. At the time, Unger didn’t respond to requests for an interview on the proposed policy. He was asked for another interview on June 29 to discuss the policy, and also didn’t respond.

While the motion to create the policy went to the education committee, of which Unger is chair, the committee decided to have assistant superintendents Marlin Adrian and Leanne Peters draft the policy.

“I thought they did a very good job of capturing what we were going for,” said Unger before first reading.

The policy defines activism as “the practice of taking intentional action to raise awareness, advocate for or bring about social, environmental, political, humanitarian, or community change regarding issues that individuals or groups care about.”

Some examples of what is acceptable include, environmental initiatives, social justice initiatives, awareness campaigns, charitable fundraising, community service projects, advocacy related to accessibility, equity, inclusion, and well-being, or student-led educational campaigns.

All activism should also be educationally appropriate and consistent with division values and policies. Activities must not promote hate, discrimination, harassment or violence, create unsafe conditions, significantly disrupt learning or school operations, involve coercion or intimidation, or violate laws or division policies, stated the policy.

Activism has to be initiated and supported by students, staff, and/or administration. Activism is to be supervised by the teachers, who have to make sure that all activism is educationally relevant. Principals are to be informed of any activism activities and where appropriate approve those activities under the guidelines of the division and address any concerns.

“External organization(s) for individuals may not directly engage students in activism activities without prior authorization from the school administration,” read Unger.

Schools are “encouraged to ensure” that any activism is educational and balanced and “avoid partisan political endorsement by the school or division.” Under the policy, teachers and principals have to remain politically neutral.

“Division resources, instructional time, and school facilities shall not be used to endorse political parties or candidates. Student expression and engagement in political issues may be supported when conducting and in accordance with this policy and applicable to us,” read Unger.

If there is any disagreement with an activism activity as outlined in the policy then people are directed to follow the division’s newly approved positive problem solving policy, which makes teachers and principals the first point of contact and the board the last.

“I’m more concerned about the complaints coming through that procedure of issues because activism is political, no matter how neutral people try to be. And any sort of topic can end up being a political topic, and therefore people can be upset for multiple reasons…,” said trustee Danielle Funk.

“I’m a little more concerned about when those issues arise, how they get addressed, and then who makes the decision and makes sure that being able to engage with activism in our schools that isn’t stifled,” she added.

Trustee Charmaine Toews suggested that the board reflect and go and discuss the matter in committee. Discussions in committee are not public. Unger agreed and the board passed first reading.

The next scheduled meeting is at the end of August.