Thanks to a Chilliwack school trustee, people are talking about the new SOGI 123 curriculum that has been developed for schools to backstop anti-discrimination policies that are now on the books to mirror the Human Rights Code of B.C.
Now that the code of conduct in SD43 school planners includes gender identity (how a person feels about their gender) and expression (how a person publicly presents their gender) to a list of things that must not be discriminated against, it makes sense to educate students about LGBTQ issues and proper terminology.
Schools haven’t been mandated to use SOGI in the classroom; instead, according to a website that supports its introduction, they are being encouraged to join a network of districts using the materials. Coquitlam is one of several Metro Vancouver districts in conversation about the curriculum and some districts appear to be further along on this than others.
One of the main concerns seems to be that it introduces the term “gay” at a young age, pointing out that it’s an insult.
It would appear in light of concerns about bullying and general meanness on social networks, as well as increasing anxiety among youth, that anything that can make schools more inclusive is a good thing.
We can also trust the professionals who work in the district to ensure that these materials are used age-appropriately and judiciously.
What we don’t need is fear-mongering — especially from politicians — that efforts to be inclusive are against family values.
In fact, the opposite is true.
