The meaning then, and now, seems pretty clear to me … there is no room for any type of discrimination, in any school in BC
 |
Mike Bernier stating
references to sexual orientation and
gender identity are
being added to the policies that school
districts and independent
schools are required to have in place
|
“All of
B.C.’s schools need to be welcoming and safe places free of bullying. We owe it
to our children to make sure they know that there are no reasons they should be
bullied – and including sexual orientation and gender identity in anti-bullying
policies makes that crystal clear.”
~~ statement by Mike
Bernier, former Minister of Education, on September 8th, 2016.
All of BC’s provincial education partners for K-12 schools are committed to ensuring every school — both public and independent — is a place where students feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome … stay tuned; more on that in a moment.
I don’t know about you … however I will admit I am confused. WHAT IS the difference between SOGI, and SOGI 123? Oh, you didn’t know there was a difference? Well there is, and that is where the confusion comes in.
SOGI stand for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and just under a year ago (November 3rd, 2017) the provincial government stated that this would be considered ... an inclusive term that represents all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, heterosexual and cisgender.
The provincial government also indicated the need for specific policies to improve … the school climate for LGBTQ and heterosexual students, reducing discrimination, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts for all students.
Now some have taken issue with this, however it must be noted that the BC Human Rights Code does state that gender identity, and expression, are protected.
Under the previous BC Liberal government of Christy Clark, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced that explicit references to sexual orientation and gender identity are being added to the policies that school districts and independent schools are required to have in place.
These changes were required to ensure school district policies would be in line with amendments made earlier that Summer, to BC Human Rights Code, that included gender identity, and expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. At the time, Bernier noted that many districts -- and independent schools -- already included sexual orientation and gender identity in their anti-bullying policies, and that the announcement made clear these things were also being extended to all of them.
The meaning then, and now, seems pretty clear to me … there is no room for any type of discrimination, in any school in BC schools.
Regardless, late last month (Sept 29th), Education Minister Rob Fleming clarified things further with the following statement:
All of BC’s provincial education partners for K-12 schools are committed to ensuring every school — both public and independent — is a place where students feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome … stay tuned; more on that in a moment.
I don’t know about you … however I will admit I am confused. WHAT IS the difference between SOGI, and SOGI 123? Oh, you didn’t know there was a difference? Well there is, and that is where the confusion comes in.
SOGI stand for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and just under a year ago (November 3rd, 2017) the provincial government stated that this would be considered ... an inclusive term that represents all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, heterosexual and cisgender.
The provincial government also indicated the need for specific policies to improve … the school climate for LGBTQ and heterosexual students, reducing discrimination, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts for all students.
Now some have taken issue with this, however it must be noted that the BC Human Rights Code does state that gender identity, and expression, are protected.
Under the previous BC Liberal government of Christy Clark, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced that explicit references to sexual orientation and gender identity are being added to the policies that school districts and independent schools are required to have in place.
These changes were required to ensure school district policies would be in line with amendments made earlier that Summer, to BC Human Rights Code, that included gender identity, and expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. At the time, Bernier noted that many districts -- and independent schools -- already included sexual orientation and gender identity in their anti-bullying policies, and that the announcement made clear these things were also being extended to all of them.
The meaning then, and now, seems pretty clear to me … there is no room for any type of discrimination, in any school in BC schools.
Regardless, late last month (Sept 29th), Education Minister Rob Fleming clarified things further with the following statement:
“All of B.C.’s provincial education partners
for K-12 schools are committed to ensuring every school — both public and
independent — is a place where students feel safe, accepted, respected and
welcome regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion
or background.”
Fleming continued, “All of our province’s 60 school districts have now updated their codes of conduct -- and all independent schools have updated their harassment and bullying prevention policies -- that safeguard students from being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“Students have the complete support of teachers, administrators, support staff, trustees and parents as we create learning environments where all students are free of discrimination so they can thrive and live authentic lives”, he concluded.
It is worth noting however this statement wasn’t just made by the government. It was a joint statement by a number of organizations including the … BC Teachers' Federation … BC School Superintendents Association … BC School Trustees Association … BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association … CUPE BC … BC Association of School Business Officials … and the ARC Foundation.
No surprise by any of the names in that list, however, a number of additional education organizations and communities also stood out in support. Those were the Federation of Independent School Associations … BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils … First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Schools Association … as well as Métis Nation BC.
Independent schools … PAC’s … First Nations … Metis … all of like mind in favour of creating learning environments where all students are free of discrimination so they can thrive and live authentic lives.
The following is from a media release of Friday,November 3, 2017, under the heading of SOGI Education:
Topics related to gender, and self-identity, are included in the curriculum for knowledge, as well as to help students understand and respect diversity, as with the previous curriculum.
Sexual and reproductive health is specifically covered within the Physical and Health Education curriculum. As with the previous curriculum, there is an Alternative Delivery policy that enables students and their parents / guardians to consult with their school and choose means other than regular classroom instruction to address the learning standards in this area.
Okay, now we get down to the nitty gritty, perhaps, of what the issue and problem is. Having our young people educated in accurate information on sexual and reproductive health is undeniably vital to our young people ... as much so as, "... ensuring every school — both public and independent — is a place where students feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or background" (from Sept 29th media release).
It seems however that there is a great degree of confusion between education in sexual and reproductive health (SOGI 1-2-3), and ensuring schools are a place where students feel safe regardless of sexual orientation (SOGI).
While they are indeed two separate things, I asked Kari Simpson if I would be correct in thinking that there are some connections between them? Kari Simpson describes herself as a "respected Christian social activist" … giving civil, common-sense Canadians a voice in the democratic process using two important tools, Road Kill Radio … and Culture Guard
So, what was her answer to my question? She said, “SOGI has nothing to do with Safe Schools, quite the opposite.”
And that is definitely where the disconnect, I think, comes for many people as they feel they are one and the same. With that in mind I then asked Simpson, “Would you say then that the statement released September 29th was, or is, a good thing then?”
“It’s the best piece of PROPAGANDA to date regarding SOGI,” she stated, before continuing."
“The Ministry of Education does not work to protect ALL children. We have a Minister of Education calling those exposing a dangerous agenda, "Hate" groups. As I write (Sept 29th) there is a protest trying to drown out concerned parents on the steps of the legislature - a loud obnoxious protest organized by the local teacher's union”.
Is that true … or accurate … or is there confusion over exactly what SOGI 123 is about … and does it only support LGBTQ+ students?
The website for SOGI 1-2-3 contains detailed information on how the program is used within classrooms, beginning in early elementary grades with basic simple lessons. It states that it ... provides tools and resources for creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for ALL students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity … homophobia and transphobia can be directed at anyone and invariably have a negative effect on school culture, emotional well-being and academic success.
So then, what does it mean to have sexual orientation and gender identity addressed within the school curriculum? Again, quoting the website:
Fleming continued, “All of our province’s 60 school districts have now updated their codes of conduct -- and all independent schools have updated their harassment and bullying prevention policies -- that safeguard students from being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“Students have the complete support of teachers, administrators, support staff, trustees and parents as we create learning environments where all students are free of discrimination so they can thrive and live authentic lives”, he concluded.
It is worth noting however this statement wasn’t just made by the government. It was a joint statement by a number of organizations including the … BC Teachers' Federation … BC School Superintendents Association … BC School Trustees Association … BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association … CUPE BC … BC Association of School Business Officials … and the ARC Foundation.
No surprise by any of the names in that list, however, a number of additional education organizations and communities also stood out in support. Those were the Federation of Independent School Associations … BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils … First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Schools Association … as well as Métis Nation BC.
Independent schools … PAC’s … First Nations … Metis … all of like mind in favour of creating learning environments where all students are free of discrimination so they can thrive and live authentic lives.
The following is from a media release of Friday,November 3, 2017, under the heading of SOGI Education:
Topics related to gender, and self-identity, are included in the curriculum for knowledge, as well as to help students understand and respect diversity, as with the previous curriculum.
Sexual and reproductive health is specifically covered within the Physical and Health Education curriculum. As with the previous curriculum, there is an Alternative Delivery policy that enables students and their parents / guardians to consult with their school and choose means other than regular classroom instruction to address the learning standards in this area.
Okay, now we get down to the nitty gritty, perhaps, of what the issue and problem is. Having our young people educated in accurate information on sexual and reproductive health is undeniably vital to our young people ... as much so as, "... ensuring every school — both public and independent — is a place where students feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or background" (from Sept 29th media release).
It seems however that there is a great degree of confusion between education in sexual and reproductive health (SOGI 1-2-3), and ensuring schools are a place where students feel safe regardless of sexual orientation (SOGI).
While they are indeed two separate things, I asked Kari Simpson if I would be correct in thinking that there are some connections between them? Kari Simpson describes herself as a "respected Christian social activist" … giving civil, common-sense Canadians a voice in the democratic process using two important tools, Road Kill Radio … and Culture Guard
So, what was her answer to my question? She said, “SOGI has nothing to do with Safe Schools, quite the opposite.”
And that is definitely where the disconnect, I think, comes for many people as they feel they are one and the same. With that in mind I then asked Simpson, “Would you say then that the statement released September 29th was, or is, a good thing then?”
“It’s the best piece of PROPAGANDA to date regarding SOGI,” she stated, before continuing."
“The Ministry of Education does not work to protect ALL children. We have a Minister of Education calling those exposing a dangerous agenda, "Hate" groups. As I write (Sept 29th) there is a protest trying to drown out concerned parents on the steps of the legislature - a loud obnoxious protest organized by the local teacher's union”.
Is that true … or accurate … or is there confusion over exactly what SOGI 123 is about … and does it only support LGBTQ+ students?
The website for SOGI 1-2-3 contains detailed information on how the program is used within classrooms, beginning in early elementary grades with basic simple lessons. It states that it ... provides tools and resources for creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for ALL students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity … homophobia and transphobia can be directed at anyone and invariably have a negative effect on school culture, emotional well-being and academic success.
So then, what does it mean to have sexual orientation and gender identity addressed within the school curriculum? Again, quoting the website:
… (it) is NOT
about students developing a particular set of beliefs around sexual orientation
and gender identity. It is about building understanding of the diverse society
that we live in and learning to treat each other with dignity and respect
regardless of our differences.
It seems that Doug Lauson, President of the Federation of Independent School Associations BC agrees:
It seems that Doug Lauson, President of the Federation of Independent School Associations BC agrees:
“At independent schools, we care deeply about
the children placed in our care. Last year, we asked that every independent
school in British Columbia have a Discrimination Protection Policy – that's why
the federation supports the efforts of government to protect all students
against bullying and violence regardless of their gender, race, culture,
religion, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.”
He continued, “Every student in every school in this Province deserves to be respected and the right to study and work in a safe school environment.”
Here in Kamloops, where I live, there are three Christian Schools – St, Ann’s Academy … Kamloops Christian School … and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I am a rather voracious reader of news, especially political, however I have yet to read or hear of any issues or problems with them implementing the concepts and principles of … Sexual and reproductive health (is) specifically covered within the Physical and Health Education curriculum”. Additionally, I do not recall hearing, or reading, of any other schools which have taken issue with this either.
He continued, “Every student in every school in this Province deserves to be respected and the right to study and work in a safe school environment.”
Here in Kamloops, where I live, there are three Christian Schools – St, Ann’s Academy … Kamloops Christian School … and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I am a rather voracious reader of news, especially political, however I have yet to read or hear of any issues or problems with them implementing the concepts and principles of … Sexual and reproductive health (is) specifically covered within the Physical and Health Education curriculum”. Additionally, I do not recall hearing, or reading, of any other schools which have taken issue with this either.
On the website Culture Guard, they do take a very
strong stand against it, stating:
Students in almost
all BC schools are now being indoctrinated and radicalized into becoming “Social Justice Warriors”, without any idea of the ramifications implied for
our culture.
Who, and what, is this organization? Regrettably their “About” page does
not provide details , nor what groups may be a part of their organization.
I find that disappointing, as I believe
it would be helpful for many people seeking answers, to know who they are, and
the people involved.
Now it should be understood that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the creation of BC’s school curriculum -- responsible for, and creating, are not always one and the same. SOGI 1-2-3 was independently put together, as I understand it, and it provides ready-to-use, grade-level lesson plans in use in over 80% of school districts in BC.
On several occasions I have endeavoured to get comment about the curriculum, from the provincial governments Education Ministry, and how it was prepared. Regrettably those questions have gone unanswered. I find that disappointing given this response they made to Janet French, writing for the Edmonton Journal, on how the BC program was developed:
“The process has been completely flipped around. In the past, curriculum development teams would sign confidentiality agreements and the material would be confidential, hidden from others, and locked down until it was completed and released to schools. In this current curriculum redesign process, we asked team members to share widely and gather feedback in their networks,” a spokesperson for B.C.’s education ministry said.
It’s disappointing to find that now the program has been initiated in the BC school system, information has strangely gone … confidential, hidden from others, and locked down.
What I do know however, is that in terms of sex education, apparently the BC curriculumwas updated and reviewed as part of the curriculum redesign, and the Physical and Health Education curriculum continues to cover human sexuality and reproduction. It starts in the elementary years with what I have been told is factual content, and then progresses in a developmentally-appropriate way as students get older. Apparently, this allows teachers to ensure the content, related to sexuality and sexual identity, is appropriate for the needs of their students. Currently, the new curriculum is in place from Kindergarten to Grade 10, and then introduced to grades 11 and 12 in September 2019.
As to the claims that schools are teaching or encouraging kids to identify as transgender, or become homosexual? Here, for example, is what Campbell River School District #72 had to say on that topic:
School District 72 is not “teaching” LGBTQ2S+ topics, nor are we “encouraging” (or discouraging), or “glorifying” sexual orientations or gender identities.
The intent is to have students, families, and staff reflected in the curriculum and school life, meaning that we are inclusive of all types of families and individuals, regardless of how they identify or what their sexual preference might be. We are respecting diversity.
Teachers addressing SOGI in the curriculum is NOT about students developing a particular set of beliefs around sexual orientation or gender identity. It is about building understanding of the diverse society that we live in and learning to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of our differences.
While acronyms can at times be cute, they can also be confusing and send you rushing to Google to find out what they mean -- for too many, SOGI and SOGI 1-2-3, seem to fit that mold.
That said, one of the things I’ve learned, after over 60 years of walking this earth, is that young people are generally resilient and strong, and are able to think for themselves. They also have a fairly well attuned BS meter to filter out garbage, whoever is presenting it.
In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth, and I hope you’ll join the discussion on this, or any other topic presented here. Do you agree … disagree? Post your thoughts in the Comment Section directly below.
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