Schools and disinformation

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/09/2023 (731 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In light of recent events and ad campaigns, I feel that there needs to be clarification on the recent calls for increased parental rights, hateful protests, and the spread of misinformation.

First, parents and families have deep and rich access to schools. Teachers perpetually call and have chats with families related to a whole host of issues. Families are constantly in our schools — taking part in feasts, celebrations, productions, performances, sporting events, parent council meetings and more.

Principals are always accessible. Our staff check in through home visits, drop off hampers when needed, and our schools are cultural and community hubs. The lights are always on.

To suggest that parents do not have access to what is being taught or what is happening in schools is a fallacy. The curriculum is online and it is quite clear what is being taught. Make no mistake, there are people out there deliberately trying to use fear-mongering to create divisions between our families and school communities through lies and suggesting that schools are hiding something.

The Family Life curriculum teaches about menstruation, puberty, and the family unit. At Grade 2, it teaches about how the body grows — like teeth. It does not teach young children the mechanics of sexual intercourse, be it heterosexual or homosexual. But families can always opt out of this education if they choose.

The books in our libraries are not sexualized or pornographic. Some do represent different family configurations — representing the diversity of families within our city and province. If families have questions about books, they can always call their classroom teacher or principal. This has always been the case.

Second, public schools are not indoctrinating children. Public schools are incubators for democratic, just, and equitable societies. At schools, children learn to respect others, to appreciate the gifts of others, and to include others. There is misinformation suggesting that schools are encouraging children to transition to another gender. This is a lie.

What schools do is respond to learners who are thinking about transitioning. Manitoba Education is clear about protocols related to when a child comes to an adult with questions. If a child in Grade 2 wants to be known by another name, we absolutely inform the parents. When a 17 year old is transitioning, does not know what to do, and asks that we don’t tell the family, we are obligated to respect the wishes of that child.

Some learners are terrified of telling parents that they are gay or that they are transitioning. For many kids, this can lead to isolation, feeling ashamed, withdrawn and afraid of their families, peers and society. As adults, we are obligated to protect kids who are feeling unsafe.

But there is no coercion. There is no indoctrination. Educators make professional judgments, guided by Manitoba Education protocols, and in concert with the Manitoba Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedom.

To suggest, as some billboards do, that families are being lied to, that schools are somehow withholding information and trying to replace family, is dishonest at best. If families have concerns or questions, call your teacher. Make an appointment with the principal. Chat with the superintendent.

We are all happy to share how our public schools are designed to include everyone. To teach tolerance. To uphold the golden rule of love thy neighbour enshrined in many of our religious texts.

And the onus is on schools and school divisions to dispel the misinformation. It is incumbent on our public school systems to educate and help create a more tolerant, egalitarian, and collective society.

In the Winnipeg School Division, we will always teach children to respect and love everyone for their identity and true self. We will always protect our kids and staff who are marginalized. We will always include families in schools. But we will not be bullied and intimidated by outside forces which seek to divide us. This is counter to our mission and to the purpose of public education.

Matt Henderson is Chief Superintendent of Winnipeg School Division.