Some Sask. teachers say pronoun policy has 'chilling effect,' creates uncertainty

Saskatchewan high school teacher Nick Day normally requests his students fill out a survey at the start of the year, asking them to write their hobbies or interests, as well as their names and pronouns.

The Regina photography teacher offered the same survey this September, but he's now hesitant to look at his students' answers. The surveys are a chance to get to know them better and ensure their rights are being respected, he said.

"I know it sounds silly, but I'm nervous to read the results," Day said in an interview this week.

"And I think that's part of an intended effect, that we'll all just be anxious and uncertain about these things, when it should be quite simple and straightforward."

Day is among many teachers in Saskatchewan navigating the province's new policy that requires children under 16 to seek parental consent if they want to go by a different name or pronoun at school.

Some teachers have said the policy has created a sense of uncertainty, causing them to question how they should approach their jobs and whether they are being forced to break ethical codes.

Day said the policy, which came into force immediately, has had a "chilling effect."

Regina high school music teacher Brendan Dickie said the policy has made it difficult to develop meaningful relationships with some students.

Dickie also offers a survey to students. He said last year's survey asked students their pronouns, but this year's does not.

"They didn't have to answer the pronoun question, ever. But oftentimes, you get kids that would, because it's probably the one place where they can put that down," he said.

Human rights groups have criticized Saskatchewan's policy, saying it could out children to their parents or cause teachers to misgender them at school if they don't get permission.

An injunction application recently went before a judge requesting the policy be halted, with the applicant's lawyers arguing it violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The judge has reserved his decision.

The province argues the policy is meant to include parents when children make decisions about their names and pronouns at school, and that a child's age should also be taken into account.

Premier Scott Moe has said he's considering all tools to keep the policy, including the notwithstanding clause, a provision that allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years.