Flyers questioning P.E.I. school gender guidelines 'felt like an intrusion,' says parent
CBC
Flyers that have been showing up in mail boxes and on windshields are raising concerns with some Islanders.
They encourage parents to keep their kids home from school for one day next week — in protest of the province's guidelines for supporting gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.
Melody Dover received one in the rural mailbox of her family's home in Emyvale.
She said being a parent, she feels it's her generation's responsibility to teach children respect and tolerance.
"When I saw that flyer I was pretty irate. The information on it, I feel, was incredibly misdirected," she said.
"And the fact that it was in our mailbox and came into my household felt like an intrusion."
Dover said they talked to their teenager about it because they believe in open dialogue.
There's nothing to indicate who created or distributed the flyers — only an email address that CBC reached out to.
No response was received.
The flyers question sex education in Island schools, along with the province's guidelines around gender and sexual identity.
They take issue with parts of the guideline allowing students to specify what names and gender pronouns they use and the requirement students provide permission before any of that information is shared, including with their parents.
Education Minister Natalie Jameson wouldn't agree to an interview, but in a statement said the goal of the guidelines is to prevent bullying and discrimination.
"By embracing diversity, promoting understanding, and fostering a sense of belonging, schools can help shape a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is valued and respected," Jameson said.
"I have great trust in our school administrators, teachers and staff, who are continuously working to provide learning environments free of discrimination; environments where everyone feels accepted, respected, and celebrated for their individuality."
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