17°c Light rain showers
13°c Variable cloudiness
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Teaching evolution must evolve
Some Manitoba teachers are uncomfortable with what they see as a lack of adherence to provincial curriculum in some schools. Teachers have said whole schools have opted out of teaching human sexuality and evolution. The fact is that Manitoba's curriculum does not insist students learn human sexuality -- it allows parents to opt out their child for cultural and religious reasons. Evolution, however, is touched upon in early grades and ought not be expressly ignored in any school in the public education system.
At a recent Manitoba Teachers' Society annual meeting, concerns arose from the floor that schools were refusing to teach sexuality and evolution. Hutterite colonies were singled out, but this thorny issue is not exclusive to them. It also is seen in communities with strong religious beliefs.
Some religious and cultural tenets clash with generally accepted norms of the wide expression of human sexuality, such as homosexuality, masturbation and premarital sex. And evolution can be a hard fit for strict creationists. But students who reach their graduation year ought to have learned the science behind the origin of the species.
Human sexuality is basic to understanding oneself in a social environment, as is evolution to the question of how did "we" get here. Provincial curriculum is compulsory and schools must teach to the standard, but teachers should welcome a range of views while promoting respectful tolerance of differences. This is not just a practical fix in the classroom, but a reflection of what underpins Canada's liberal democracy.
Children today are unlikely to escape encountering the realities of human sexuality in, and outside, school. It is better that it be done in a learning environment, but the department has opted to accommodate those with strong cultural or religious beliefs. It is hard to believe, however, that a student in the public school system can graduate Grade 12 without being expected to understand that evolution is fundamental to the nature of things. This is integral to the awarding of a high school diploma, and Education Minister Nancy Allan ought to remind all school boards of this fact.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 4, 2012 A10
More Editorials
- Back to Top
- Return to Editorials
Poll
Most Popular Editorials
- Mr. Katz strikes out again
- Resign, Mr. Duffy
- Welcome to the 1900s, drinkers
- Mayor Selinger
- NDP needs its fix
- Focus on education; no, really
- Temporary ain't what it used to be
- Transit justice
- What’s with the maternal outpouring for Dzhokhar?
- Passenger safety
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.