Editor:
Do parents have a right to know what their child does, or says or wants or needs while they are in school?
Of course they do! Teachers and counselors and principals have a responsibility and a requirement to do just that.
Dustin Duncan and the Sask Party have done the right thing.
The government now says the following:
• Schools must seek parent/guardian permission when changing the preferred name and pronouns used by students under the age of 16 in the school;
• Parents/guardians must be informed about the sexual health education curriculum and have the option to decline their children's participation;
• Boards of education must immediately pause involvement with any third-party organization, such as ARC Foundation and the SOGI 1 2 3 Program, connected to sexual health education as the ministry undertakes review of educational resources to ensure alignment with curriculum outcomes. Only teachers, not outside third-parties, will be able to present sexual education materials in the classroom. This directive does not include professionals employed by government ministries or the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
We try and teach our children the difference between right and wrong very early in life, and sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.
One thing for sure, parents need to know and consent. A child cannot make life-altering decisions and parents need to know. It boggles the mind that it would ever be considered to not let the parents know.
There isn’t a safety issue here, it’s a choice that I believe a child can’t make and should not be brainwashed into making.
Let’s thank the provincial government for making this policy. Let’s ask the tough questions of the school divisions and trustees. For those in government, school trustees, mayors and city councils putting their heads in the sand on this issue, remember this at election time. If you elect a bunch of clowns, you will for sure have a circus!
Dana Pretzer
