By Zile Singh

Sexual education in public and private schools aims to provide accessible, accurate, inclusive, and positive information to children and adolescents. The goal is to teach young people how to have healthy sexual relationships and avoid sexually transmitted infections  and unplanned pregnancies.

The facts on the subject matter have been taken from the website of the Ministry of Education, BC government.The ARC foundation developed SOGI 1 2 3 in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Education, B.C. Teachers' Federation, The University of British Columbia's faculty of education, Out in Schools, School Districts throughout B.C., and local, national and international LGBTQ community organizations. In July 2016 during Liberal Party’s tenure, Bill 27-Human Rights Code Amendment Act was passed to include “gender identity or expression” among the protected grounds covered by the BC Human Rights Code. The New Democratic Party (NDP) then in opposition also supported the Amendment. 

The programme includes a focus on valuing diversity and respecting differences, and the topics of human rights and responses to discrimination. As of Dec. 31, 2016, all B.C. school districts, and independent schools were required to include specific references to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in their anti-bullying policies.

In addition of gender identity and expression as a prohibited ground of discrimination under the B.C. Human Rights Code,SOGIis an inclusive term that represents all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, heterosexual and cisgender.

• 19% of B.C. high school students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or not exclusively heterosexual.
• 5% of students identify as two-Spirit and 1% of B.C. high school students identify as transgender. 
• In the past 12 months, lesbian, gay and bisexual youth were seven times more likely than heterosexual youth to attempt suicide (28% vs. 4%).
• 62% of LGBT students feel unsafe at school. 

The goal of SOGI-inclusive education is to create a school environment where every child can be their authentic self, without fear of harassment, discrimination, or being left out by others. Positive representation of the diversity that already exists all around us improves mental health outcomes for all students. According to the Ministry of Education and Childcare, learning about SOGI is not “mandated” as it is not a curriculum, but schools must be in compliance with the Human Rights Code and show that they are creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. It is important because gender is of key importance in defining the power, privilege and possibilities that some people have, and some people do not have in a given society. It affects progress towards equality and freedom from discrimination.

Protest rallies against SOGI were held in Surrey. Protestors gheraoed Education Minister’s office. According to a statement by the school board, “The disinformation and misinformation of these rallies, however, have led to defamation, slander and libel of so many in the teaching profession, quite legitimately putting lives in danger. What was seen in the rally were lies, dehumanization, vitriol, and hate speech, far beyond any real concerns. As educators we stand strong in our dedication to human rights, and representation in schools," 

The statement further said, "In accordance with the BC Human Rights Code, Surrey Schools supports a safe environment for all students and staff of any race, colour, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity," 

About sex education: “No Secrets”. – Albert Einstein 

Do not teach children that sex is sin. Instead, it is necessary to explain to them that sex is part and parcel of life.– Osho

Zile Singh is a well respected Columnist, Writer and a Vipassana Meditater. He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Rights.  He can be reached at zsnirwal@yahoo.ca