How 1,200 Saskatchewan teachers have experienced the province’s pronoun policy

In 2023, the Saskatchewan government introduced the Parents’ Bill of Rights with little public consultation, setting off a political and legal battle that quickly reached the province’s schools.

The legislation, passed as Bill 137 and colloquially referred to as the “pronoun policy,” is an amendment to the Education Act that requires teachers and other school staff to obtain parental consent before using a student’s preferred name or gender identity.

As supporters and critics battled over the policy in media and political arenas, school divisions had to quickly determine how it would work in practice — even after a judge temporarily halted the policy’s implementation , citing the potential for “irreparable harm” to students.

As education researchers, we conducted a study that combined survey data with teachers’ written comments and interviews.

The study, yet to be peer-reviewed, is among the first to examine teachers’ experiences with the policy.

Results suggest that the fallout extended well beyond the public debate.

Teachers described confusion and tensions stemming from implementation while school divisions and education organizations devoted significant time and resources to responding to the changes.

Regardless of where they stood on the policy itself, many educators said the issue has diverted attention from other pressing challenges in Saskatchewan schools.

Teacher responses The provincial government’s announcement introducing the bill drew criticism from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation , which accused the government of moving forward without consulting teachers, parents or mental-health professionals.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission also raised serious concerns , arguing the policy could infringe on the rights of vulnerable students.

After the temporary implementation delay, the Saskatchewan government responded by invoking the notwithstanding clause to protect the policy prior to any court challenges being heard.

Teachers were expected to adhere to the policy, putting them in a precarious situation.

Transgender and non-binary students already face higher rates of discrimination and harassment at school than their peers, negatively impacting their sense of belonging and school outcomes .

Policies like Saskatchewan’s pronoun policy can reinforce that discrimination by sending a message that gender identities are less deserving of recognition and respect.