A decision by the Saskatchewan government to halt third-party sexual education programmes in schools is raising alarms among educators and advocacy groups, who argue that the move jeopardises students’ safety and deprives them of critical learning opportunities. This pause, initiated in August 2023, followed an incident where Grade 9 students encountered age-inappropriate content during a presentation by Planned Parenthood. Despite the government’s assurance of a review of educational resources, nearly two and a half years later, the ban remains in effect.
Government’s Stance on Sexual Education
The Ministry of Education has stated that only teachers and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are currently authorised to deliver sexual health education in classrooms. In their communication, officials indicated, “There is no timeline for the duration of the pause on third-party presentations related to sexual health.” As the government continues to explore options, the absence of third-party organisations in classrooms has left a noticeable gap in educational offerings.
Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, highlighted the hesitation among teachers to engage outside organisations due to the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes acceptable content. “With the uncertainty of what is sexual education, what is not sexual education, what would be allowed and what would not be allowed, I think teachers do likely err on the side of caution,” she remarked.
Advocacy Groups Push for Re-Entry into Classrooms
In light of the extended pause, organisations such as the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre (SSAIC) are striving to re-establish their presence in schools with programming that focuses on abuse prevention rather than sexual health education. Morgan Price, the SSAIC’s education and outreach co-ordinator, expressed frustration with the current situation, stating that their initiatives have always been about abuse prevention rather than sexual health.
“We haven’t adjusted any of our subject matter, but we’re trying to rebrand how our programmes are viewed,” she explained. Price noted that before the summer of 2023, the SSAIC conducted hundreds of presentations annually, providing vital education on abuse prevention. However, many educators now feel hesitant to collaborate, fearing repercussions from the government.
The Impact on Student Learning
The pause on third-party education has not only hindered the dissemination of vital information but has also created a chilling effect across educational environments. Analu Alvarez, education manager at OUTSaskatoon, highlighted the significance of their previous programming, which addressed not only sexual health but also gender identity and the creation of safer school environments. “Certain things arise, not only questions but concerns about safety,” Alvarez noted, emphasising the importance of addressing these topics in a supportive atmosphere.
Scout Gray, director of national programmes for the ARC Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stating that the lack of engagement with these crucial subjects detracts from the students’ educational experience. With educators increasingly reluctant to discuss matters related to sexual orientation and gender identity, the absence of outside expertise is felt acutely.
Calls for Clarity and Change
As the situation continues without resolution, Price has urged the Ministry of Education to provide clear guidelines on what can be presented in schools to alleviate fears among teachers. “Arguably, there shouldn’t be anyone who doesn’t believe that youth should know what abusive behaviour is and how to identify it so that they can avoid it,” she emphasised, advocating for the urgent need for educational reform.
Why it Matters
The ongoing suspension of third-party sexual education programmes in Saskatchewan not only limits students’ access to essential knowledge about abuse prevention and healthy relationships but also perpetuates an environment of fear and uncertainty among educators. Without clear guidelines and support, the risk of leaving vulnerable students without crucial information grows, ultimately jeopardising their safety and wellbeing. As advocacy groups push for a return to classrooms, the need for comprehensive and inclusive sexual education has never been more urgent.
