School program questioned

ALBERTA WANTS CHANGES TO ‘WOMEN STUDIES’ COURSE FOCUSED ON HAIRSTYLING, COOKING

Alberta’s education minister wants a school division to immediately revamp a course entitled “Women Studies” which teaches tween girls about hairstyles, flattering clothing, dinner party etiquette and polite conversation.

David Eggen says the NDP government has made gender equity a top priority and understands why concerns are being raised about the course offered by the Pembina Hills School Division to girls in Grades 6 to 9.

His officials have spoken to the school division, he said.

“We informed them that all problematic or offensive components must be changed. They have assured me they will make appropriate changes,” Eggen said in an emailed statement.

“My office will be actively monitoring this situation, and I trust that Pembina Hills will make the appropriate changes necessary to this course.”

David Garbutt, acting superintendent for the division in central Alberta, was in a board meeting Wednesday and unavailable for an interview. In a statement, he said the course is a “work in progress” and the board is listening to the constructive criticism it has received.

“People are rightly concerned that our students not feel stereotyped. We agree,” he said. “We will be reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it doesn’t reinforce stereotypes in the process of encouraging positive self-image and selfesteem.”