Letters calling for end to pronoun law dropped off at Regina Public School Division office

Advocates dropped off community testimonials urging changes to Bill 137 policies at Regina Public Schools.

Concerns surrounding Saskatchewan’s pronoun law and its impact on students in the province continue to mount.

On Wednesday, a group of advocates dropped off testimonials from the community at the Regina Public School Division’s office, demanding change.

Under Bill 137, also known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, students under 16 cannot change their names or pronouns at school without parental consent.

The Government of Saskatchewan first introduced the policy in August 2023, which was legally challenged by UR Pride.

UR Pride requested a court injunction, which was granted, and halted use of the policy.

In response, the Government of Saskatchewan recalled the legislature in October 2023 to enshrine the policy into law and stop the court challenge.

Also known as the notwithstanding clause, the government passed Bill 137 utilizing Section 33 of the Charter, amid criticism from the provincial NDP and advocacy groups.

Bill 137 is the subject of an upcoming Supreme Court case surrounding the province’s use of the notwithstanding clause in its passage, but a hearing date has not been set.

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The group dropped the letters off as students wrap up another school year in Regina. They are hoping the letters can persuade school board trustees to replace the policy at the division level.

“It is actively and very dangerously harming two-spirit and trans youth within our province. I think if we move kind of down from there, it doesn’t respect treaty rights. There wasn’t consultation by teachers by students that are experiencing the bill,” said Alex Schmit, a teacher.

In an emailed response to CTV News, the school division said it takes great pride in offering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for students, noting it must meet all provincial legislation and policy requirements.

“Regina Public Schools’ policies and administrative procedures are thoughtfully designed to align with provincial legislation, while empowering teachers and school-based staff to do what they do best—keeping students safe while ensuring meaningful, high-quality learning continues every day,” the statement read.

“Our core function is teaching, and our most important outcome is learning. Regina Public Schools will continue to support and celebrate our staff and students’ success going forward.”

With files from Katy Syrota and David Prisciak