Some deep questions being asked in a survey being given to York Region District School Board students ths month.
The Toronto Sun obtained a copy of the Student Climate Survey for Grades 5-12 which asks students about sexual orientation, drugs, alcohol and living situations.
Sample YRDSB Student Survey Questions
For Grade 5 to 6 students:
Are you?
Male
Female
Gender Diverse
Prefer not to be identified by gender
For Grades 9-12 students
What is your sexual orientation”
Asexual
Bisexual
Gay
Heterosexual/straight
Intersex
Lesbian
Queer
Questioning
Two-spirit
Don’t know
I prefer not to say
I do not see myself reflected above
There are around 50 questions on the survey and was sent out the week of March 23.
A spokesman for education minister Mitzie Hunter told The Toronto Sun it's part of the amendment made to the Education Act in 2012 to "mandate that every school board conduct anonymous school climate surveys of students, parents and staff at least every two years."
The survey must include quesitons on bullying related to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and sexual harassment. The ministry provided sample surveys, but the spokesman said school boards could use ones they developed themselves.
The Toronto Sun reports the YRDSB survey also asks students about the environment, religion and whether they are happy with their lives.
The survey is anonymous, confidential and is voluntary, so students do not have to complete it.
YRDSB spokesperson Christina Choo-Hum told the Toronto Sun students can skip questions and time will be provided to them during the school day to complete it.
There will be a survey for staff sent out this month and one for parents in May.