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-- British Columbia is giving a same-sex couple an unprecedented role in a review of provincial curriculum that is intended to ensure respectful teachings about sexual orientation from kindergarten to Grade 12.
A six-page contract, signed in April by the Education Ministry, guarantees Peter and Murray Corren a significant voice in the revision of classroom lessons to recognize gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and the creation of a new elective course on social justice -- including respect for sexual orientation -- at the Grade 12 level.
The parties have agreed to seek mediation if there is a dispute and have acknowledged that the contract is legally binding and may be enforced by the courts.
Many educators have welcomed the agreement, saying it will make the B.C. school system a North American leader in respecting diversity. But most admit they don't know what the changes might look like.
Independent schools that receive government funding insisted they wouldn't be affected by the deal, even though they are required by law to teach the same curriculum as public schools. "As far as we're concerned, this agreement applies to public schools only," said Doug Lauson, president of the Federation of Independent School Associations and associate superintendent of Catholic schools in Vancouver. Most independent schools in B.C. are faith based.
The ministry wouldn't confirm that directly. Spokeswoman Corinna Filion said in an e-mail that the ministry can't speculate on what curriculum revisions will result but "it's not anticipated that any change would impact the ability of an independent school to continue teaching courses from a faith-based perspective." --
