A textbook previously used for instruction at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse that contains content identified as “homophobic” has been permanently pulled from the school after a review of the book — and a replacement resource has been found.
The decision follows the review that found the textbook, Called to Happiness: Guiding Ethical Principles by Sister Terese Auer, conflicted with the Yukon Education department’s sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) policy.
The department's curriculum and assessment branch, which reviews educational resources, and the Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Whitehorse completed the official review while school was out for the summer, according to the director of the Yukon government branch.
During an interview by phone on July 10, curriculum and assessment branch director Tanya Lewis said the review was led by a curriculum consultant and some staff members from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School. She said the committee that carried out the review was chosen with the Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Whitehorse.
Issues with the textbook were brought to the News’ attention in a letter from concerned parents in February. The letter was also sent to other media outlets and local politicians.
The territorial government’s statement, which was previously provided to members of the media, notes that the textbook’s teachings violate the Education Act, the Safe and Caring Schools Policy and the SOGI policy. The statement indicated a formal review was underway.
Lewis said an anonymous letter pointing out problematic language led to the review.
“For the review, we follow a fairly detailed process to ensure that the resource aligns with curriculum and also with Department of Education policies and procedures for public schools,” Lewis said.
“The resource in question did have some conflicts with the Department of Education's SOGI policy. With that, it's now recommended the new resource be used. It's a suitable resource published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, called In Search of the Good. It meets and aligns with the Department of Education policies, and it also meets the needs to provide quality Catholic education.”
The old textbook was removed immediately following the anonymous complaint until the review could be done and will no longer be used given “some language in that book that provided some conflict,” according to Lewis.
Lewis said the Education department is pleased with the decision. She added that the Catholic church and the department will continue to review resources and support educators in line with the department’s policy.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Jeanie McLean has requested that the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office review the overall SOGI policy for Yukon public schools, according to a press release from the child advocate office. The release notes the review will contribute to the “transparency and accountability of the Department of Education’s commitment to the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan.”
The release highlights the importance of SOGI policies for creating places where children and youth from all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions can “thrive.”
“We have seen the detrimental effects that occur when children and youth are not heard, or their views are not considered in the decisions, programs and policies that affect them,” Annette King, the child and youth advocate, said in the release.
“There are many children’s rights affected by SOGI policies, and it is a fine balance to ensure they are all upheld effectively. SOGI policies are instrumental in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can learn and grow in an environment free from discrimination and prejudice."
The advocate’s review will look at the implementation and impact of SOGI policies on students’ experiences.
The advocate’s office welcomes input for the review.
A report will outline the findings and recommendations to the department by fall 2025.
A press release from the Yukon government indicates this decision to review its SOGI policies reflects its commitment to “evidence-based policy enhancements.”
“The context of evolving SOGI policies across Canada highlights the need to adopt an approach that prioritizes the rights of children. The Child and Youth Advocate review will help ensure that the Yukon’s policy makes schools inclusive and safe for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” reads the release.
—With files from Matthew Bossons
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
