Access zones now in place to protect kids at school

The Safe Access to Schools Act gives the Province the legal authority to prohibit disruptive behaviour that impedes access to school grounds. This includes behaviour such as any protests that causes disruptions to school programs and activities or that cause concern for the physical or mental safety of students and staff. Access Zones are now in place at K-12 schools, and police can arrest or issue tickets to anyone found impeding access, disrupting or interfering with educational activities or attempting to intimidate an individual within 20 metres (66 feet) of school property. These zones will be in effect on school days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during extracurricular school activities at all of B.C.’s K-12 public and independent schools, with limited exceptions. Link to the full news release here.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0028-000850