Some parents and teachers concerned as Sask. pronouns policy set to be implemented

With Saskatchewan's parental inclusion in education policies on the horizon, some parents and teachers in the province are left concerned and confused.

New education policies from the Sask. Party government are on the horizon as the province looks to start the legislature early on Tuesday to invoke the notwithstanding clause and push through their policies.

But with these policies come fear and confusion, as Saskatchewan Teachers Federation president Samantha Becotte said many teachers and parents have shown concern about how this will impact students, particularly the most vulnerable.

“We want to ensure that classrooms are safe and caring learning environments where all students are welcomed and feel safe to express themselves,” Becotte said.

Former education minister Dustin Duncan announced back in August new education policies that would require parental permission if a child under the age of 16 wanted to go by a different name or pronouns.

The policies also require parents to be informed about the sexual health education curriculum and parents will have the option to have their child opt out of those classes.

Lastly, the policies called for school boards to stop their involvement with third-party organizations connected with sexual health education as the ministry reviewed educational resources.

Only teachers and professionals employed by government ministries or the Saskatchewan Health Authority would be able to present sexual health material.

Many organizations contested these policies, with a Saskatchewan judge granting an interim injunction and Premier Scott Moe vowing to use the notwithstanding clause to override that injunction and make sure the policies were put in place.