The Thames Valley District School Board is taking a stand to ensure elements of Ontario's modernized sex-ed curriculum continue to be taught in local schools.
In a letter to parents and staff, Director of Education Laura Elliott said the school board will uphold its responsibilities and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and board policies "to ensure respect, inclusion and safety of all."
"TVDSB will continue to be an inclusive organization that works to affirm all identities on a daily basis, including students and families identifying as LGBT2Q+," Elliot said in the letter. "All students and family members have the right to feel safe, included and valued at school and this requires that students see their identities reflected in real-world school and classroom activities."
The new Progressive Conservative government announced last week that it was shelving the updated sex-ed curriculum, which had been introduced by the Liberals in 2015. The Tories came under fire after it was learned that the curriculum would revert back to the old version from 1998, which predates same-sex marriage, Google, and social media.
The provincial education minister later clarified this week and said consent and cyber safety will still be taught in schools. However, the part of the curriculum dealing with “developing sexual relations" will be replaced.
Elliott said while the government has indicated teachers will have some “flexibility,” the Ministry of Education has not yet provided any details about the altered curriculum to school boards.
"As leaders in public education, we commit to being inclusive, fair and equitable by empowering students to become caring community members and responsible global citizens, and recognizing and celebrating the contributions and diversity of students, staff and volunteers," she said.
Elliott said staff, students and parents will be informed of the specific changes to the Health and Physical Education Curriculum as soon as it is provided.