Background

The Division recognizes studying controversial issues is an integral part of student learning and is important in preparing students to participate responsibly in a democratic and pluralistic society. The study of controversial issues provides students with opportunities to develop the ability to think clearly, to reason logically, to open-mindedly and respectfully examine different points of view, and to make sound judgments. 

Definitions

Controversial Issues: are those topics that are publicly sensitive and upon which there is no consensus of values or beliefs. They include topics on which reasonable people may sincerely disagree—such as religion and human sexuality.

Controversial Resources: are those resources used in the classroom or available in the learning commons/library that may be sensitive to certain individuals based on their values and beliefs. May also include external presenters used in a school to engage in learning or teaching, but will not include a resource created by a student, or accessed by a student independently, including through a school library.

Procedures

1. Information regarding controversial issues must:
1. be of an informative nature;
2. represent alternative points of view;
3. appropriately reflect the maturity, capabilities and educational needs of the students;
4. effectively meet the requirements of provincially prescribed and approved courses of study and educational programs; and
5. reflect local as well as provincial, national and international contexts.
2. As per Section 58.1 of the Education Act, notification to parents/guardians is required where the instructional materials, exercises, outcomes or courses contain subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with religion or human sexuality for consent to participate:
1. Parents/guardians shall provide consent regarding controversial content in advance, using a parent notification letter (F-205-2). Participation will require explicit parental consent.
2. Exempted students shall not receive an academic penalty.
3. Teachers shall provide a meaningful alternative activity.
3. All learning and teaching resources that deal primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality must be approved by the Minister of Education, unless they are used for religious instruction. This does not apply to incidental or indirect references to gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality.
1. NLPS staff will follow the NLPS Approval of Learning and Teaching Resources.