Union seeks injunction to keep sex-ed curriculum
One of Ontario’s largest teacher’s union has launched a legal challenge against the government’s decision to repeal a modernized version of the province’s sexual-education curriculum. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario said Tuesday — the first day of the school year in the province — it is seeking an injunction to keep the curriculum in place and to stop what it calls the government’s “snitch line” where parents can report non-compliant teachers.
ETFO president Sam Hammond said the government’s changes to the curriculum are reckless and put students at risk. He said the union’s legal action is vital to ensure that educators and school boards can continue to protect the safety and health of students.
“It also seeks to stop the operation of this unnecessary and counterproductive complaint or snitch line,” he said.
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has warned there will be consequences for teachers who use the modernized version of the lesson plan put in place by the Liberals in 2015.
“In a worst-case scenario this snitch line would allow anonymous parents, or anyone as a matter of fact, to target any teacher for any reason,” Hammond said. “The potential for abuse is enormous.” The Tory government’s plan to scrap the 2015 sex-ed curriculum was announced in July, fulfilling one of Premier Doug Ford’s key campaign promises.
The document included warnings about online bullying and sexting, but opponents, especially social conservatives, objected to parts addressing same-sex relationships, gender identity and masturbation.
Ford has promised provincewide consultations to build a new curriculum starting this month. Late last month, the Ontario government released a sex-ed curriculum meant to temporarily replace the now-repealed modernized version. It was delivered to school boards and posted online after repeated requests from educators who sought clarity on the issue. The province also launched a website where parents can flag concerns about teachers who stray from the government’s “revised interim curriculum” and has also urged parents to file complaints with the Ontario College of Teachers.
Hammond said the union has no choice but to turn to the courts in order to protect the safety and health of students. The government’s decision is an abuse of power and a direct conflict with teachers’ professional obligations, he added.
“Teaching issues like consent, LGBTQ relationships, gender identities and many other human development issues related to today ’s realities are not only necessary but vital for student safety, well-being and inclusivity,” he said. A spokesperson for Education Minister Lisa Thompson said because the matter is before the courts it would be inappropriate for the government to comment. Green party Leader Mike Schreiner said he supports ETFO’s legal challenge, slamming the government for changing the sexeducation curriculum based on ideology.
“The premier is forcing teachers to choose between their job security and the safety of children,” he said in a statement.