Calgary students walk out of class to protest Premier Smith’s transgender policies

Dozens of students from three Calgary high schools walked out of class on Friday to protest the provincial government's transgender youth policies.

Students at three Calgary high schools walked out of class Friday to protest legislation concerning Alberta’s transgender youth.

The schools students walked out of were William Aberhart High School, Western Canada High School and Crescent Heights High School.

“We have some friends, classmates and family members who are just sadly affected by this—by these policies,” said Elly Sweet, an organizer for the rally.

“I just generally worry for their well-being and their security at home and in school.”

Approximately 30 students attended the rally at Western Canada High School and 35 at William Aberhart High School.

Sweeping changes were legislated by Premier Danielle Smith’s government last year, targeting Alberta’s trans community in education, health care and sports.

Those include restricting transgender youth access to gender-affirming health care, banning transgender participation in female sports and requiring parental consent or notification on sex education and changes to pronouns and names in schools.

Finn Mazuryk made the transition from woman to non-binary man.

“It’s really scary to know that my well-being and my livelihood are possibly being taken away,” said Mazuryk.

“If things continue to go the way they’re going, I might not be able to get access to anything, even in adulthood. Especially surgeries that might help me feel better about my body dysmorphia or any hormones that could potentially help me feel more like myself.”

Mazuryk wants Smith to reconsider the policies.

The 16-year-old says there is a shift in how transgender individuals are treated.

“An overall demeanor around the way that people are talking to us and asking questions,” said Mazuryk.

Organizers of the protest say that despite public opposition and calls for inclusivity, the provincial government continues to attack the rights of trans youth.

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) says it was aware of the planned walkout by students.

“It is a regular school day and students are expected to be in class unless excused by a parent or guardian. Student learning will continue as scheduled,” the CBE said in a statement.

“We do not prevent students from leaving class to participate in these types of events; however, any students who are not present in class will be marked as an unexcused absence.”

Kristopher Wells, who worked as a research chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth and serves as a senator, says the impending legislation has put a “chill” into the school system.

“Students are rightfully scared for their lives,” said Wells.

“Danielle Smith’s legislation, although not yet fully enacted, has put a chill on discussions around sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.”

The walkout by the students comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump made an executive order banning trans women from women’s sports.

Part of Smith’s policies would clamp down on transgender female athletes competing in women’s and girls' sports.

“This is an attack on all women. It’s about who gets to regulate your body and decide your identity and who has the right to participate,” said Wells.

“The research is clear; trans women do not have this great competitive advantage in sports. They’re not causing accidents or injuries.”

Friday’s walkout to protest legislation concerning Alberta’s transgender youth took place on the one-year anniversary of the last one.

Education ministry responds

In response to the walkout at three Calgary schools, the Ministry of Education provided the following statement:

“Students have a variety of ways they can express themselves, however it is important for them to be in class, and not disrupt their, and others’, learning.

“All students should feel welcomed, cared for, safe and respected while at school.

“School authorities are responsible for ensuring safety, and for responding to walkouts at their schools.”