Misinformation regarding SOGI 123 is in complete violation of the Human Rights legislation.
NEVR strongly objects to the misrepresentation of the SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) policy by those who would use some of our most vulnerable students to further their political aims. Hateful rhetoric translates directly to violence, and children and youth in our schools face increased chances of harm.
SOGI is a set of resources available to educators and parents (https://www.sogieducation.org/ ) for use in classrooms, this includes lesson plans, readings and short videos. It is not a curriculum and it is not mandatory. It is a set of resources to increase diversity and inclusion. SOGI was created to support safe and inclusive schools and was developed to protect students and staff from discrimination, racism, abuse, and interpersonal violence.
For over 12 years, The Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) has worked to eliminate violence in relationships in our community, focusing on all aspects of relationship violence; physical, sexual, emotional and financial, and its effects on all members of the family and the community.
Let’s be clear – SOGI has been working and has reduced harm to students and staff. Before SOGI resources were developed 2SLGBTQ+ students reported feeling unsafe (over 90% of transgender; over 60% 2SLGBTQ+ students; over 60% of those with 2SLGBTQ+ parents) in school across a national study (Egale Canada, 2011). By using SOGI resources, students saw an overall decrease in bullying and other forms of abuse. Abuse has been reduced but has not disappeared (Peter, et al, 2021). In fact, research shows us that schools that are SOGI inclusive reduce mental health challenges and suicide rates for ALL students (Saewyc et al, 2016).
We have a long way to go to ensure safe and respectful schools, and those who use SOGI as a political tool are not just risking progress, but they are also risking lives of all those who work and study in our schools.
As an organization deeply committed to education to reduce violence in our communities, we expect that the media will treat the hateful rhetoric about SOGI, as hate towards the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a violation of the Human Rights legislation, and act accordingly by shutting down social media threads, comments, and other media platforms to ensure the hate is not perpetuated.
