Thread by @KristopherWells

THREAD: Alberta's "new vision for education" contains no mention of supporting LGBTQ2 students, GSAs or SOGI inclusive policies.

Elsewhere in Canada, the absence of LGBTQ2 inclusion in curriculum has been ruled a human rights violation. /1

How does the panel and gov't justify excluding a focus on one of the most vulnerable groups of students in our schools?

Estimates, clearly indicate 8-12% of students identify as LGBTQ2 or questioning and are more likely to be targets of violence, bullying, & discrimination. /2

GSAs are a proven way to reduce risk and build resilience. SOGI-inclusive policies have also been shown to be effective in creating safer, more welcoming, respectful and inclusive school environments. /3

When students don't see their identities reflected in curriculum, and the halls and walls of their classrooms, it tells them they don't exist and they don't matter.

This kind of silence and invisibility continues to perpetuate the erasure of LGBTQ2 lives. /4

This says it all: “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” — Elie Wiesel /5

This is a curriculum of silence, denial, and indifference that will hurt the most vulnerable students.

In 2020, our curriculum should strongly reflect the diversity of our society. Curriculum needs to move us forward to the future, not stuck in the past. /6