While students across Alberta prepare to return to their studies, the province’s educators are also preparing for the implementation of some controversial new gender policies in the classroom.

As of Sept. 1, parental permission will be required for students who wish to go by a new preferred name or pronoun related to their gender identity.

Parents will also need to opt in for their child to receive any sex education on issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality.

John Nishimura, who is the parent of a trans child who graduated in 2021, says the policies are going to cause a lot of anxiety for trans students.

“ They are going to have so much trouble, so much anxiety — they’re going to suffer from depression,” said Nishimura.

“The UCP will have blood on their

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