Transgender policy for Vancouver schools draws fire

From protest lines to picket lines to hockey lines, it has been another fascinating year in the news in B.C.

We want to know: which story mattered most to you?

Click on the link below to see our complete list, then vote.

Vote now for B.C.'s Top Story of 2014

The Vancouver School Board came under fire from parents and some trustees in May and June for a new policy supporting transgender students.

The new guidelines allowedtransgender students to be addressed by the name that corresponds with their own gender identity, and to use the washroom of their choice.

• Transgender policy adopted by Vancouver School Board
• Transgender policy prompts mother's plea to Vancouver School Board
• Schools' gender identity policy sparks debate in Vancouver

The move didn't sit well with some parents, who accused the school board of pushing the policy through without consulting them first.

"It is inappropriate for teachers to be writing up a policy without having approval by the B.C. College of Physicians and CollegeofPsychologists," said Cheryl Chang,chair of the Parent Advisory Council for Lord ByngSecondary School.

School trustees Sophia Woo and Ken Denikealso opposed the policy change, saying it could affectenrolment in public schools and real estate values on the city's West Side.

The pair were expelled from the Non Partisan Association caucus for their stance, and ultimately lost their bid to sit as independents on the school board in the fall civic elections.