Saskatchewan teachers get degrading messages after change room complaint

REGINA — Saskatchewan teachers in a school division that received a complaint about two “biological boys” using a girls change room say they have received degrading messages over the past week.

The Prairie Valley Teachers’ Association and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation say in a joint statement that the comments have been disappointing and disgraceful.

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They say safe spaces for all children and staff at schools have been damaged.

Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe made a campaign promise last week to ban “biological boys” from using school changing rooms with “biological girls,” after he said he learned of the complaint at a school in the province’s southeast.

A parent of the two children is an NDP candidate in Monday’s provincial election.

Moe has said he didn’t know that when he made the change room pledge, which wasn’t previously included in his party’s platform document.

“The Prairie Valley Teachers’ Association and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation value inclusion, equity and diversity,” said the Tuesday statement from the teachers.

“The intolerance displayed in recent days demonstrates a lack of understanding and an unwillingness to listen and learn. The experiences of vulnerable groups are real and are not to be dismissed.

“The lives of children should not be used as political fodder purposefully designed to divide communities.”

It said hate has no place in schools or communities.

“To our members, we are here for you and offer our support. To the staff and students of Prairie Valley School Division, we see you, we hear you, we are with you.”

In his pledge, Moe said his first order of business if his party is re-elected would be instructing his education minister to ensure all school divisions abide by the change room policy.

He has said the proposed rule is meant to support all students.

NDP Leader Carla Beck has said such a policy would make vulnerable children more vulnerable and voters have more pressing issues on their minds, including smaller classrooms, better health care and being able to afford gas.

Beck has promised to repeal the province’s pronoun law if the NDP forms government.

Moe used the notwithstanding clause last year to pass a law that requires parental consent if children under 16 change their names or pronouns at school.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press