The Action Plan to Address Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation reflects our shared belief that all students regardless of race, creed, ancestry, class, colour, ability, gender, gender identification or sexual orientation have the right to a learning environment that will provide for their dignity, respect and safety and where every student can develop positive self-images that will enable them to transcend stereotypes and develop as individuals. A welcoming, caring and safe learning environment for all students is a shared responsibility among staffs, students, and parents and provides the foundation for improved student learning.

A Sub-committee of Safe Schools was established to carry out the Board's direction of June, 2003. The mandate of this Sub-committee (by Board resolution) was to produce an Action Plan to address issues of sexual diversity in our schools within Safe Schools programming. It was agreed that the recommendations from the GLBT2 Ad Hoc Committee would be divided into four clusters entitled, "Student Awareness/Education, Resource Sharing, School Based Planning, and Staff Development." The Sub-committee divided into four task groups, each charged with the responsibility of drafting an action plan for its cluster of recommendations.

Initiatives are integrated and implemented under the umbrella of Safe Schools with the goal that all students should attend a school environment that is safe and respectful. Student centred programs continue to be the first priority. As with all Safe School initiatives, programs are by invitation, not mandated. Need, demand and the belief in providing a safe school environment drive the success of activities.

The name of the Action Plan has been changed from "Action Plan to Address Issues of Sexual Diversity" to the "Action Plan to Address Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation" to be consistent with the Guiding Principles of Safe Schools.