Please see the statement below from Superintendent of Schools, Nancy Pynch-Worthylake.

The SSRSB supports and encourages the right of all students and staff to express their beliefs in a nondiscriminatory way, including messages worn on clothing. Students and staff of SSRSB have the right to be educated and employed in a safe environment, without discrimination against their beliefs. The SSRSB Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights (RCH) Policy specifically outlines what the SSRSB supports, believes in and promotes: "equality, equity, and freedom from discrimination are national ideals defined and given to all Canadians by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: The Charter, the Criminal Code of Canada, the Human Rights Act of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Education Act encompass these same values and ideals." SSRSB students may choose to wear clothing that embraces their beliefs. However, it is expected that students will not wear clothing with messages that may offend others' beliefs, race, religion, culture or lifestyle. If a message can be reasonably interpreted by a person as negative towards another person's beliefs, race, religion, culture or lifestyle, and if it has offended other students and/or staff, the SSRSB feels that such instances are unacceptable and would ask that the message in question be replaced by a message that clearly communicates the students beliefs without disrespecting the beliefs or violating the rights of others. It is the SSRSB policy to always work with students through discussion, counseling and support to ensure that while their belief systems are protected, so too are those of all other students served throughout our region. In any circumstance where a student is respectfully asked to replace a questionable message and the student refuses, the situation can then become an issue of non-compliance or defiance. In a situation where a student is consistently defiant, the principal has a range of options available. In circumstances regarding messaging, students would first be encouraged to come to school displaying a non-discriminatory message. SSRSB prefers for students to follow the school code of conduct, including demonstrating respect for others rights and beliefs. The school and region will always work with interested students to clarify appropriate messages. Other options range from meetings to mediation, including: discussions with the RCH Coordinator and school staff, and meetings with parent(s) or guardian(s) and staff to find solutions to the issue at hand. If the all options have not successfully resolved the issue, the principal has the right under the Education Act and Regulations, and the corresponding SSRSB Suspension of Students policy, to suspend a student for a maximum of five (5) days for defiance. The principal is able to waive the suspension should the student agree to comply with policy and expectations. Next Steps: The superintendent is seeking an expert opinion on whether a specific message communicates a personal belief that should not reasonably be considered offensive to others; or whether the message could be reasonably interpreted to be disrespectful of others beliefs or a violation of others rights. The superintendent is also exploring a mediated approach to resolving this situation that is respectful of the rights of everyone involved. The SSRSB believe this can be reasonably resolved.

Jen Thompson A/Communications Manager South Shore Regional School Board Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Phone: 902-541-3005/902-523-1664 Email: jthompson@ssrsb.ca