In our March newsletter, we informed our readers of some of the positive aspects found in Edition 4 of the Grade 5-8 curriculum such as numerous occasions when students are directed to discuss things with their parents or clergy and the promised inclusion of the point that no Grade 8 student meets the criteria of being able to make a responsible decision to engage in sexual activity.
We also raised concerns regarding detailed (almost photo-like) frontal views of the adult male penis circumcised and uncircumcised and the female vagina with all labeling including the clitoris. A second and alarming concern was the curriculum attempt to introduce anal intercourse as 'a type' of intercourse where the penis enters another person's anus; no warning of the extreme risks associated with this sexually deviant conduct.,
These were significant concerns to us and we wrote to the board requesting a second meeting, which they granted. At this second meeting, we discussed 3 items which are outlined below along with the Board's comments.
- Inclusion of an excellent Sexual Exposure Chart
The Sexual Exposure Chart is a pictorial chart which illustrates in a very clear manner, the effects of having more than one sexual partner over a lifetime and is based on every partner having had the same number of partners as you. For instance, if a person has only one sexual partner in their lifetime and that partner has only one, then each partner is only exposed to the sexual diseases of one person. If a person has two sexual partners then each partner is exposed to the sexual diseases of 3 people. This explodes when this number reaches 10 partners who have had 10 partners each resulting in each person being exposed to the sexual diseases of 1023 people.
We asked the Board, that if a child is sexually active beginning at age 13, what is the likelihood that they will have 10 partners by the marrying age of 25. They felt that this would not be unlikely and recognized that exposure to 1023 people almost makes the transmission of sexual disease a certainty. The Board expressed great interest in adding this chart to the curriculum.
- Removal of graphic frontal diagrams
The issue of the graphic (almost photo-like) frontal views has been one which we have continued to raise since Edition 1, but unfortunately our concerns were dismissed. This time it seems that the Board may be listening. We suggested that the graphic frontal views may arouse some children and frighten others (particularly victims of sexual abuse). We pointed out that the frontal views are only found in the Grade 6 portion, not in the Grades 5,7 or 8. Also, we asked what necessary information was conveyed in the frontal view that was not conveyed in the cross-sectional. The Board inquired if we are opposed to the cross-sectional views; we stated that we were not. The Board committed to give this further thought.
- Removal of introduction of anal intercourse or addition
of extreme risks associated with the sexually deviant conduct
This item was very difficult to discuss given the disgusting conduct that it is. We felt it important that the reality of anal sex and what is actually happening, must be clearly understood; it is far more than just words on a page. To assist, we brought written descriptions accompanied with illustrations of just what exactly happens during this deviant act. It was discussed how the forcing of the penis against the anal sphincter muscle will weaken the muscle over time. This weakened muscle will result in feces escaping against the persons will which will then lead to a lifetime in diapers; a big price to pay. We also pointed out the tight fit combined with the thin anal lining will result in tearing of the lining which will then permit feces and virus to enter the bloodstream directly.
We argued that anal intercourse is not even a concept in the minds of the vast majority of students and that introduction of this topic will plant a seed resulting in dangerous experimentation. Our position was that this topic should not be discussed in classroom. If there seemed to be the rare student who was identified as being involved in such behaviour this could be handled on an individual basis outside of classroom time. If however the Board insisted on discussing this in the classroom then all of the alarming detail must be disclosed in order that students not consider anal sex to be just another form of intercourse. We also informed the Board that if anal sex is to remain in the curriculum, that we would request a public presentation to the Committee of the Whole where we would discuss all of this in detail. The Board again agreed to give our input serious consideration.
The Board has a tremendous opportunity to make this 4th edition better or worse. Addressing all of the above as we have requested will make it better. If you wish to provide input to the Board on any of the above we suggest that you contact Superintendent Krys Croxall at 905-527-5092 ext. 2623 or e-mail her at krys.croxall@hwdsb.on.ca. Please copy any of your correspondence to us.
|
