Two graduating high school students in Ontario launched a Charter challenge to their school principal’s decision to have a mandatory breathalyser test at their prom. They argued that the mandatory test was a violation of their s. 8 Charter right to be free of unreasonable search and seizure. Justice Himel of the Ontario Superior Court […]
Transgender youth: Everyday items, everyday rights
March 8, 2015 By Melissa Luhtanen J.D.
The public bathroom can be a major source of anxiety for transgender youth. Using a public restroom may result in their status being discovered. If they identify as transgender and have not yet revealed their identity, they may feel like an imposter. Worse yet, trans teens may be subject to ridicule, abuse or assault, physical […]
“Meaningful Access”: Students with learning disabilities strive to be included
March 6, 2014 By Melissa Luhtanen J.D.
Jeffrey Moore attended public school, at School District No. 44 (the “District”), from kindergarten to grade three, beginning in 1991. Jeffrey had access to an aide and attended a Learning Assistance Centre; his parents hired a private tutor. By January 1994, in grade 2, Jeffrey had serious headaches; he was under “significant stress”, was making […]
Viewpoint: Planning Ahead
August 13, 2013 By Jennifer Allford
Not long ago, a class of Grade 4 students in Glenbow Elementary School in Cochrane got to work planning Alberta’s future. First, they watched a series of videos exploring different industrial land-uses such as forestry, energy and agriculture. They also watched videos about other land-use factors including water quality, the health of fish, greenhouse gas […]
Mother May I? Schools and Parenting Disputes
July 5, 2013 By Rosemarie Boll
I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by Jim Davies, the general counsel for the Edmonton Public School Board. He gave a group of family law lawyers the educator’s perspective on parenting disputes.1 Today’s dynamic family configurations can be complicated – divorced biological parents, foster parents, relatives, same-sex partners, step-parents, and even mature minors. […]
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