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'Critical' the new sex ed curriculum reflects our current times, says southwestern Ontario school board

The WRDSB remains committed to the well-being and success for every student
High school students in class
(stock photo)

In response to the recent announcement that changes are coming to the Health and Physical Education curriculum, the Waterloo Region District School Board says it is "critical that the curriculum provided in the classroom reflects our current times and the identities of our students, families and community."

A joint statement was issued by Board Chair Scott McMillan and Director of Education John Bryant.

In it, they are reminding the community that they remain committed to the well-being and success for every student.

They're also hearing a variety of concerns in the community, and have been asked about the status of the changes.

McMillan and Bryant say they will provide information as details of any changes unfold.

"The Waterloo Region District School Board would also welcome the opportunity to shape any proposed revisions," they write, "We invite parents, families, students, staff or any member of the community who wishes to inquire about how to offer input on this process, to contact their Member of Provincial Parliament or the Minister of Education and we thank everyone who has expressed an interest in this matter."

You can see the full statement from the WRDSB here.

The governing Progressive Conservatives say they will consult in all 124 ridings about sex ed.

Ford had pledged to repeal and replace the curriculum, which the Liberals updated in 2015, and his government said last week that when students return to class this fall they will be taught a version of the curriculum introduced in 1998, sparking anger from some teachers and parents who say that document is outdated.

Ford said that during the spring election parents across Ontario told him they wanted more input into the curriculum's design.

"We want to go and consult with the parents and get their input," he said. "Then we'll move forward with changing the curriculum."

Education Minister Lisa Thompson said in the legislature that concepts like gender identity, consent and cyber safety would still be taught in the fall, only to backtrack on her comments hours later.
 


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Mark Pare

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