TVDSB's Website Resource: The 519
Why is the board linking to a website that suggests trans woman should sell their bodies for money?
In the pursuit of improving mental health and well-being for all students, educational institutions play a crucial role in providing valuable resources to their students. However, it is equally important to critically assess the appropriateness and trustworthiness of the resources recommended, particularly when it comes to minors. Thames Valley District School Board's (TVDSB) website resources raise questions about its alignment with the board's mission and the well-being of students in the LGBT+ community.
TVDSB directs students to act as allies to the LBGT+ community. It defines allyship as the continuous practice of standing up for marginalized groups. However, recent discoveries raise questions about whether the school board is truly acting as an ally. The board directs students to a website resource that includes content suggesting that trans women can resort to sex work to finance their transition surgeries. This calls into question the board's commitment to supporting and protecting the well-being of its LGBT+ students.
TVDSB provides a link to The 519 as a resource for LGBT+ students seeking information and support. The content found on this website is deeply concerning. It includes a sex guide (found on their resources page) that endorses sex work as a viable means of paying for transition surgeries while describing it as both financially beneficial and validating for one's identity: " a self-esteem boost”. Linking to this website with such content raises valid concerns about the appropriateness and the potential messaging being conveyed to students.
Understanding the decision-making process behind recommending The 519 is essential. Who determined that this organization was an appropriate choice for a student resource? The school board is responsible for directing vulnerable trans children to supportive resources, not pushing them toward prostitution. The current resource selection warrants a thorough evaluation of the criteria employed for such decisions.
Providing a link to The 519 (go to the bottom of this page) TVDSB implies that this organization is reputable and trustworthy.
This can lead trans children to place unwavering trust in any resource provided by the website, potentially exposing them to inappropriate or harmful content. The implications of this oversight raise concerns about the board's commitment to safeguarding the well-being and emotional development of its students.
When a parent raised concerns regarding the inclusion of The 519 as a resource, the superintendent chose not to remove the link but instead added a tiny disclaimer.
Their response gives the impression that they are unconcerned about students having access to such an inappropriate document. Moreover, the continued presence of the link in other areas of the TVDSB website implies an endorsement of The 519 as a trusted resource.
Educational institutions have a responsibility to ensure that their resources align with their mission, values, and the well-being of their students. It is crucial for concerned individuals to voice their opinions and engage in an open dialogue with the school board to address these concerns and advocate for more suitable and reliable resources for the LGBT+ community and all students within the TVDSB since website resources are available to all students.
Parents, students, and community members are encouraged to voice their concerns by contacting the school board and expressing their expectations regarding the selection of appropriate resources so that the resources provided by the board truly empower and protect all students.
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What does the educational institution gain from wasting generations?