Beginning in November Edmonton Public school students in grades 4 to 1 will be asked personal questions about their gender identity, race and, for students in grade 7 to 12 questions about their sexual orientation. This student survey is intended to help inform policy decisions to create more safe and welcoming spaces insides its schools and classrooms.
The surveys are optional for students and parents able to opt out of the survey on their child’s behalf, even if the child is interested in participating. The survey is not anonymous, but Edmonton Public said results will be kept confidential on a secure central server accessible by only a few internal staff members, tasked with analyzing the data.