Does SOGI-inclusive education give consideration to different cultural beliefs and family values?
The Ministry of Education works to create safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all BC students. In the BC Curriculum, “The positive personal and cultural identity competency involves the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of all the facets that contribute to a healthy sense of oneself. It includes awareness and understanding of one’s family background, heritage(s), language(s), beliefs, and perspectives in a pluralistic society.” As primary educators, families teach family values and beliefs. The BC curriculum assists in developing “educated citizens” who are co-operative, principled, and respectful of others regardless of differences. The ways that teachers may address SOGI in the curriculum are not about students developing a particular set of beliefs around sexual orientation and gender identity. Educators help students deepen the understanding of the diverse society that we live in and how to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of our differences.
