Statement on Saskatchewan Education Minister’s Policy Announcement

On August 22, 2023, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Education announced new policies for Saskatchewan schools as well as a directive for boards of education to pause involvement with third-party organizations, using ARC Foundation and SOGI 1 2 3 as an example of an organization connected to sexual health education. As an organization, ARC Foundation finds this announcement incredibly discouraging, and we are concerned for the students, families, and educators who are impacted by these decisions. All schools should be inclusive places where students feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome.

ARC Foundation (ARC) is a charitable organization that builds capacity within the K-12 education system through a collaborative network model to help reduce 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in schools. SOGI 1 2 3 is a set of tools and resources that help create safer and more inclusive schools for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). This includes policies and procedures, inclusive environments, and teaching resources that help educators develop inclusive teaching practices.

SOGI 1 2 3 is sometimes confused with sexual health education. Sexual health education is an established and important component of the provincial curriculum, whereas SOGI 1 2 3 is a set of tools and resources to help educators incorporate SOGI-inclusivity across the provincial curriculum. SOGI 1 2 3 is not a curriculum; instead, ARC Foundation works alongside the provincial education system, in collaboration with education organizations, supporting a SOGI-inclusive implementation of the provincial curriculum. This involves understanding the goals of local divisions and schools pertaining to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion to help augment their implementation. SOGI 1 2 3 provides a space for peer-to-peer connection and support to create safer and more welcoming schools for all students.

All students need to see themselves reflected in the world around them – and to be seen for who they truly are – so that they can be free to be their most authentic selves and live their best possible life. Students thrive when parents and school staff work together to support students. This is why SOGI 1 2 3 also offers resources for parents – produced in collaboration with parents – that can address how educators can work with parents to provide the best possible outcomes for students.

According to a study by Egale Canada, 62% of 2SLGBTQ+ respondents feel unsafe at school, compared to 11% of their cisgender, heterosexual peers. Schools have a responsibility to create safe and inclusive spaces for all students. SOGI-inclusive education is about recognizing the diversity of SOGI identities that exist in society and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Most students go through life seeing themselves represented in the world around them. SOGI 1 2 3 helps ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ identities are reflected in the school environment, and that students can learn about the diversity of humanity.

As the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education’s 10-year Provincial Education Plan Framework notes, students should be able to identify with these outcome statements: “I feel safe and supported,” “I belong,” and, “I can be myself.” ARC Foundation embraces these target outcomes and strives to work collaboratively with educators to assist with helping realize these goals and outcomes for all students, including 2SLGBTQ+ students.

We are profoundly grateful to the teachers and organizations within the province of Saskatchewan, and across Canada, who are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality. We believe that now, more than ever, educators in the province of Saskatchewan will be looking for support navigating SOGI-inclusive education. We are available to provide support to educators in need of resources and guidance.

About ARC Foundation
Established in 2007, ARC Foundation (ARC) creates and co-funds breakthrough collaboration models for reducing 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in schools. ARC’s primary program is SOGI 1 2 3 which helps educators make schools safer and more inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI) through policies and procedures, guidance on creating inclusive environments and teaching resources.

www.arcfoundation.ca | www.SOGIeducation.org

Media Contact
Heather Vause
info@arcfoundation.ca