On Sept. 2, Education Minister David Eggen sent a letter to the board chair of the Independent Baptist Christian Education Society, asking for written assurance that the school authority is complying, and will continue to comply with Section 16.1 of the School Act.
This Act supports a student’s right to establish and name a student organization intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, including gay-straight alliances and queer-straight alliances. Minister Eggen gave the school authority until Sept. 16 to submit its written assurance of compliance.
“On Sept. 16, I received a letter from the Independent Baptist Christian Education Society’s legal counsel. However, I am not satisfied with the response, and am therefore moving forward with an inquiry into the school authority, as per section 41 of the School Act. This inquiry will be conducted by a third party and will be completed within four to eight weeks,” Minister David Eggen said in a statement.