Revised sex-ed curriculum 2019: Minor modifications and major implications

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Health and Physical Education Curriculum implemented a curriculum that triggered a lot of criticisms and public response when it was introduced by the previous Liberal government in 2015. The PC Government, in response to public pressures from certain distinct conservative religious groups and organizations, decided to revise the curriculum as an attempt to appease these factions. During the election, Doug Ford made a commitment to replace the curriculum if he was elected. In response to criticisms by social conservatives groups, the government conducted some public consultations; as a result of this, a revised curriculum was introduced on Wednesday, August 21^st. The changes that were made in this revised curriculum document show that the government has listened to some of the vocal critics of the 2015 curriculum.

It is clear that there are many voices that are interested in presenting their views with respect to this issue. In response to public concerns and criticisms, the previous Minster of Education, Lisa Thompson instructed school boards to go back to the 20 year-old 1998 sex-ed curriculum. This was a challenge for Toronto District School Board teachers who were instructed to teach sensitive and controversial topics relating to gender identity and sexual orientation.

The revisions that have been made concentrate on issues related to: body image, consent, concussions, sex trafficking, sexting, cyberbullying, homophobia, cyber-safety, cellphone use tolerance, respect and inclusion, mental health, cannabis use and vaping.  In addition, it includes specific teacher prompts that are meant to trigger discussions and student’s engagement and interactions. With respect to the issue of consent, students will be introduced to it earlier. As early as grade five, our students will learn about sexual orientation. The controversial topic of gender theory (where gender is considered to be fluid) will not be introduced until Grade 8, where students will learn about gender identity and expression.

It is clear that this revised sex-education curriculum is meant to placate the fears and worries of many parents who were critical of the 2015 curriculum introduced by Kathleen Wynne. Many of these social conservatives will be disappointed and feel betrayed by Doug Ford’s government. By changing the grades at which certain sensitive and controversial topics are introduced, the government is attempting to show that it is aware of the age-appropriateness of certain topics. This may appease some parents, but others will still be upset.

There are positive takeaways; this year there will be emphasis on the importance of mental health and well-being; there is a realization of how crucial it is for the emotional, mental and psychological health of children. Given that the school year will commence in less than two weeks, there is not much time for in-service workshops to train teachers in the implementation of this curriculum. The Government has committed $2 million in this regard, but we may not see this funding until the spring of 2020. This may be too late.