SOGI 123 program continues in B.C. schools despite BC Conservative claims of defunding

The SOGI 123 program, a framework for inclusive school enrollments in British Columbia, continues to operate despite recent claims by the BC Conservatives that its funding was cut. The program aims to support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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So we’ve already made staffing changes internally, and long-term, the funding cuts can affect the infrastructure that we’ve created that supports educators every day.

BC Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has criticized the program, labeling it as promoting "radical gender ideology and indoctrination." However, the ARC Foundation, which developed SOGI 123, confirmed that while provincial budget cuts have affected its funding, the program itself has not ended.

Aditi Loveridge of the ARC Foundation explained that these funding cuts could impact the "infrastructure that we’ve created that supports educators every day." This includes essential services like training, guidance, professional learning, and real-time responsiveness. Loveridge noted that SOGI implementation has historically reduced bullying for all students.

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So that means the training, the guidance, the professional learning, the phone friend, the real-time responsiveness that we’re able to provide right now, that could potentially be impacted by the funding cuts in the future.

In response to the controversy, B.C.'s Education Minister Lisa Beare affirmed that "every child has a right to feel safe and included at school." Parents seeking more information are advised to reach out directly to their child's school.

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every child has a right to feel safe and included at school.