New sexual misconduct policy aims to improve student safety
A new sexual misconduct policy adopted by the Public Schools Branch (PSB) and La Commission scolaire de langue française (CSLF) will improve student safety by prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and consistent standards for handling complaints in schools across the province.
The policy was developed following a 2025 amendment to the Education Act requiring education authorities to create a new, stand-alone policy within one year. It also responds to a key recommendation in Student Safety in Island Schools: Handling of Complaints and Incidents of Staff Sexual Misconduct, a report by former Chief Justice David Jenkins.
The new policy was recently approved by each education authority’s board of trustees.
It contains several measures to improve safety for students including:
- enhanced training for staff to more quickly detect signs of sexual misconduct including grooming and professional boundary violations
- training on the mandatory duty to report
- an improved tracking system to more quickly identify problematic patterns of behaviour
The policy will also standardize the process for complaints and investigations so that they are applied consistently in every school.
The policy was the subject of extensive consultation with educators, students, parents, child protective services, law enforcement, legal experts, the Child and Youth Advocate, and many other community organizations and stakeholders.
The education authorities will now develop the procedures necessary to implement the new policy and circulate information to staff on how the new policy will be applied and enforced.
The creation of this policy furthers government’s commitment to improving student safety and addressing the recommendations in the Jenkins Report.
To see the new policy visit the Public Schools Branch.
Quotes:
“Staff at the education authorities have done an admirable job responding to both the recommendations in the Jenkins Report, and the amendment to the Education Act. I am confident this new policy will have a profoundly positive effect on student safety and will solidify a standard process for handling complaints and enforcing consequences.”
- Minister of Education and early Years Robin Croucher
“The Board of Trustees acknowledges the significant work that has gone into developing this policy. As the Public Schools Branch moves forward with procedures, training, and communication to families, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of students across PEI.”
- Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees chair Andrew MacFarlane
“The CSLF trustees recognize the significant work accomplished in the development of this policy and thank all those who contributed. We are confident that its implementation will be carried out with diligence and through collaboration. This policy reflects our commitment to providing students with a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment that promotes their well-being and success.”
- La Commission scolaire de langue française chair Gilles Benoit
Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
Department of Education and Early Years
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca