Students stand in solidarity with equality movement

April 29, 2015 · 0 Comments

On Sunday evening, my social media feeds were aflutter with heated discussions about a letter to the editor that was published last week.
It was regarding sexuality and gender education/awareness at Dr. G.W. Williams, among a slew of other things. As I saw many local high school students share their outrage concerning this piece, I only saw it fit to share the other side of the debate.
My first concern is how the new sexual education curriculum was presented in the letter.
I am unsure if it is an inability to recognize the maturity of a high school student, or a complete disregard for inclusivity, but we students are relieved that the concept of consent, and the social construct of gender and sexuality are finally being talked about at school.
To be teaching a Grade 2 that “no means no”, or a Grade 3 about same-sex relationships should not be distressing. This is erasing ignorance and creating an educated generation.
As young adults, we realize the importance of open conversations: that sex, consent and protection are not topics to be written off, but concepts we should be discussing. Whether others like it or not, society is becoming more accepting of the evolving nature of a defined “natural family.”
Moreover, in suggesting that by accepting these new concepts, we are devaluing a child’s life, you are in turn devaluing the life of a closeted teen, for example, who may fear coming out.
To suggest that acceptance beyond what you see as the norm is going to indoctrinate us in to a childless society is ignorant. Would you rather live in a society conditioned not to love and accept everyone?
It may not be what some have been taught growing up, but schools are at the forefront of the equality movement, and we students are right there beside them.

Sally Falk, Grade 12
Aurora High School