SOGI 123: A Dangerous Curriculum For Our Kids
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In recent years, gender identity has become a hot topic. A concept that has been pushed by activists, politicians and now teachers, this subject is being weaved into the fabric of our everyday lives. More than that, specific opinions are being turned into school curriculum for young children.
SOGI 123
SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity. This is a program that has been placed in some of the British Columbia school boards, as well as the Edmonton Public Schools in Alberta. The curriculum focuses on facilitating discussion and awareness about sexual orientation and gender identity by enforcing programming in schools to create an “inclusive” environment.
The Problem with SOGI 123
The first concern with SOGI 123 is that it teaches that sex and gender are not even related to each other. Now, if this is someone’s opinion, then they are very well entitled to their opinion. The issue is that this concept, which has no scientific or logical backing, is being taught to children as fact. Children are expected to learn that gender is a spectrum and that they should not at all associate it with their genetic sexual makeup.
The second problem is that this curriculum’s only expectation of the parent is that they will follow along with the curriculum and bring it into the home. This program is being taught to children as young as 4 years old. What happens to the parent who does not agree with the program? Are their opinions heard and respected? What about a child who is not comfortable with sharing the washroom with a child of the opposite sex who identifies as the same gender?
This is what the SOGI 123 School Climate Map stated:
During this discussion, students may say that some people don’t feel comfortable with a trans person in the washroom. Take this opportunity to ask whether their discomfort is because of inappropriate actions/behavior by the trans person or simply their presence. What would we say to someone who feels uncomfortable sharing a washroom based on another person’s ethnicity?
Clearly, we can see here that the discomfort of the child is not respected. Their right for feeling safe within the school is superseded by the right of the trans person who wants to use the same washroom. And gender is likened to race, even though they are both very different issues.
The third problem is that this is a curriculum. Teaching sexual orientation and gender identity to grade 2 students is now a part of the traditional (public) education system. A child may be able to graduate without being literate, but at least they will be able to name off the gender spectrum. When did one become more important than the other?
Questions We Must Ask
There is a serious need for parents to ask the right questions about why curriculums are being put into place. This is necessary not only for SOGI 123, but for every new program. If questions are not asked of these programs as a parent or caregiver, you are left in the dark about what is being taught to your child.
Some questions to ask, of this particular curriculum, are:
Who is putting SOGI 123 in place?
Who does SOGI 123 benefit?
How do they respond to a student or family that does not agree with the curriculum?
Why does the school feel the need to enforce this curriculum?
Why does the school feel it can do a better job of teaching sex and gender to children than the parents?
What can I do if I do not agree?
According to the SOGI 123 website:
“Teachers are best equipped to determine what is age appropriate for their classrooms.”
That statement is not true.
Do you know who is best equipped to determine what is age appropriate for their child?
You are. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you are uncomfortable with any topic being taught to your child, and deem it inappropriate, speak up for your child and be an active part of their education. You are the parent or caregiver. Exercise your rights as such. Comments or questions? Don't hesitate to reach out; I'd love to have a discussion with you.
Sources below for this blog post!
1. “For Parents”, accessed September 26, 2022, https://www.sogieducation.org/parents.
2. “SOGI, criticism about science, not hatred”, accessed September 26, 2022, https://bccatholic.ca/voices/paul-schratz-life-in-the-schratz-lane/sogi-criticism-about-science-not-hatred.
3. “Lesson Plan – School Climate Map on Gender Diversity” the Gender Spectrum: What Educators Need to Know, Microsoft Word - School Climate Map - Revised.docx (squarespace.com), accessed September 26, 2002.
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