OneBC Questions BC NDP Over "Queering Outdoor Education" Article for Teachers

Victoria, B.C. – A recent article promoting "queering outdoor education" for teachers, published by the B.C. Teachers' Federation (BCTF), has drawn sharp criticism from OneBC, leading to a heated exchange in the provincial legislature. OneBC MLA Tara Armstrong pressed the BC NDP government on the content, which suggests framing traditional concepts like "the birds and the bees" as colonial narratives. The controversy centers on educational materials that encourage teachers to challenge "cis-heteronormative assumptions" in outdoor learning, even for kindergarten-aged children.

During a recent question period, MLA Armstrong directly quoted from the BCTF article, stating that it frames "the 'birds and the bees' as a colonial, white supremacist narrative." She questioned Education Minister Lisa Beare on whether the government supports teachers' unions promoting such ideas to young students. Armstrong asserted, "What happens when left-wing fanatics take over the union representing the province’s teachers? You get ‘queering outdoor education,’ the latest module made by the BC Teachers’ Federation for kindergarten students."

Education Minister Lisa Beare did not directly address the article's content. Instead, she accused Armstrong of using her "place of privilege" to "bring children down," emphasizing the government's focus on ensuring all students feel welcome and supported. Beare delivered an emotional response concerning vulnerable youth, without engaging with the specific curriculum points raised by OneBC.

The BCTF article, authored by Vancouver teacher Jody Polukoshko, promotes "drag pedagogy, anti-colonial activism, and the rejection of biological categories" within outdoor education. It encourages educators to question whether describing animals as male or female reinforces "cis-heteronormative assumptions" and to view biological reproduction as a political narrative. The accompanying curriculum suggests activities like using invasive ivy as a metaphor for the oppression of queer people and observing clouds to discuss gender and sexuality fluidity.

OneBC plans to continue addressing the issue, with MLA Armstrong stating her goal is to expose the "ideological capture of K–12 education." She highlighted concerns from parents and teachers who feel unable to speak openly about such educational materials. This debate unfolds amidst broader discussions and growing pushback against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policies in schools across Canada, particularly in provinces like Alberta.