Third-party educators voice concerns about Saskatchewan sexual health decision

The Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan are voicing their concerns, as Saskatchewan has some of the highest domestic violence and sexual assault rates in the country.

Nearly a week after the provincial government announced the prevention of outside groups giving presentations on sexual health in schools, tensions are still running high for many.

The Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) are voicing their concerns on the move, as Saskatchewan has some of the highest domestic violence and sexual assault rates in the country.

“SASS and our member agencies strongly oppose any policy that is anti-trans and compromises sexual health education programming,” said SASS executive director Kerrie Isaac.

“These policies are not designed to help Saskatchewan students. Instead, they undermine fundamental human rights and contribute to an unsafe and discriminatory educational environment. Policies like these are against the principles of equality, respect, and personal autonomy and are often politically-motivated.”

SASS said the decision to ban outside groups puts even more stress on teachers, just days before the start of the school year.

“Our ability to engage with young people through the educational system is being revoked, significantly limiting students’ access to comprehensive sexual health education, which includes vital information and guidance on sexual violence,” said PARTNERS family service executive director Hayley Kennedy.

Members of the Saskatchewan NDP are voicing similar concerns on the decision.

“This is making schools less safe for our queer kids,” said Official Opposition Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer. “And it’s also rolling back decades of important education on things like healthy relationships, consent, and body autonomy.”