Ontario teachers “are moving forward” with the old sex-ed curriculum, says Education Minister Lisa Thompson.“They are familiar with what was last taught in 2014, and we have every confidence that they are going to do their best job on behalf of the students,” she said.The Ontario government has suspended the 2015 sex-ed curriculum and is, instead, using an “interim” version largely based on lessons that were in use from 1998 to 2014.The move created confusion among teachers, who have been unsure if they can discuss LGBT issues, among other things, given they are not explicitly stated in the old curriculum, which was created before same-sex marriage was legal and the Internet and social media came to dominate kids’ lives.Parents of LGBT kids have challenged the government’s use of the outdated curriculum, launching a case with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, where preliminary arguments have already been heard.The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario have launched separate court challenges, saying the government has violated Charter rights, the Education Act as well as human rights legislation.Read more: School board’s sex-ed guideline for parents meant to clear up confusionDoug Ford turns down heat over sex-ed ‘snitch line’More court challenges ahead for the Ford governmentCourt has already ruled that the two cases will be dealt with together before a three-judge panel on Nov. 23.The Elementary Teachers’ Union is also hoping the court will shut down what it has called a government “snitch line,” set up for parents to launch complaints about educators.President Sam Hammond said the government’s measures are an “abuse of power” when he announced the legal move on the first day of school. He said the 1998 curriculum “undermines the safety” of students, because it is not inclusive.All three cases ...
|
