Due to some disturbing policy changes in Alberta schools regarding gender self-identification, I have written a letter to the Minister of Education of Alberta, Mr. David Eggen, stating my opinion on the matter. Many other parents (and their children) across the province have done the same. (Links are provided below.) This is the letter I emailed this morning:
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Dear Mr. Eggen,
I fear the consequences that will
come if the Guidelines for Best
Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual
Orientations, Gender Identities and Gender Expressions is implemented in
Alberta schools. It literally shakes me
to the core of my being.
Perhaps
you do not realize just how biased and disturbing this proposal is.
In the acknowledgements, you
express appreciation for “everyone who is committed to creating welcoming,
caring, respectful and safe learning environments across Alberta.” Please accept my plea for safe learning
environments everywhere.
I am a
caring mother of a 17-month-old
daughter. My husband, a protective father, works with me in parenting our
little girl. No matter what each of us may say, we are
still the gender and sex we were born as and ever will be so. As well, if not for our difference in gender
(which is based on sex which is based on anatomy), our daughter would not be a
part of this world.
Even
before we were married, I decided I wanted to homeschool our children. My reason was simply that I felt like there
was a lot of wasted time in school compared to what could have been
accomplished if I was able to learn at my own pace. I want my children to have the opportunity to
excel in whatever area they choose at the rate they are capable of learning –
but they will have the choice to learn at home or in a public or private school.
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| By Kristin Olsen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons |
Another reason my husband and I
discussed was regarding what is being taught in the schools about sexual
education to the young people around us.
I believe that sex is good and appropriate, but only between a married man and woman. Any other sexual associations taught
otherwise degrade the purpose and sanctity of the family relationship. Else, what purpose is there to having a
family?
Now, if these so-called
“Guidelines” are enforced in Alberta schools, there is no way ever that I will let my daughter go to
public or private school if we continue to live within the province. I would not have peace of mind for any child
sent off to school. The “Guidelines”
contain loopholes that allow for potential sexual harassment, abuse and/or rape
to happen within school limits or on fieldtrips – without informing the parents
of the victim or abuser. Where, then, is
the safe haven for any child of any
gender-identity within Alberta schools?
The acceptance of either gender
to use any gendered bathroom, the elimination of gender-segregated activities,
and the opportunity to self-identify as either gender (or none) at any time
will not stop bullying of students
with different sexual preferences. These
“best practices” only cover up the problem of bullying and avoid dealing with the
serious mental, emotional, and sexual consequences of gender confusion in
children.
I do hope that, if these
“Guidelines” are enforced, those parents and families who choose to homeschool
their children or move outside of the province in response to the “new rules” will
not be punished in any way – whether financially, emotionally, educationally,
etc.
Please do not enforce these “best practices” in Alberta! I stand with many other caring and loving
parents in this.
Sincerely and hopeful of a better world,
Kristina Ogrins
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To learn more about this issue, check out:
P.R.O. (Protect Rights of) Children Alberta
Parents for Choice in Education
Protect Our Girls
P.R.O. (Protect Rights of) Children Alberta
Parents for Choice in Education
Protect Our Girls
What is your opinion on this issue? If you are facing this situation, whether in Alberta or elsewhere, what have you or others done about it?
Next week's topic: [Widow or Wife of a Criminal?]