ScotPAG 2nd Blog re SG’s responses to letters of concern
Last week we highlighted the letter that ScotPAG received, written by Stuart Downes (Support and Wellbeing Unit), in response to our challenge to Jenny Minto. ScotPAG outlined that Minto was not being honest about the promotion of gender ideology in our schools. (link to last week’s blog here)
This week we focus on the response to a letter sent by a parent to Natalie Don-Inness, Minister for Children and Young People. The response was also written by Stuart Downes; clearly he is a busy chap. It leads us to wonder if those Ministers responsible for public health, women’s health and children have any idea about how that interface between the Scottish Government and its constituents appears. Download the response letter here:
The parent’s letter articulated concerns regarding the embedded nature of gender ideology in Scottish schools and the impact of this on vulnerable children particularly those with autism, ADHD, and the after-effects of trauma. The parent made the point that the Scottish Government’s provision of the RSHP; its schools guidance, Supporting transgender pupils in schools; and its support for groups such as LGBTYS and TIE, which ‘product place’ gender ideology in its materials, collectively create a harmful educational environment.
This influential environment is not only harmful in psychological ways, but is also misinformed and misleading. We will provide a few excerpts from the minister’s response to illustrate how parental concerns are being treated. Our conclusion is that Scottish Government responses are indulging in defensive tactics: buck passing, ignoring and dodging legitimate concerns, disingenuousness, word salad intent on obfuscation, and gaslighting. Here are examples drawn from its responses:
Buck passing:
‘All adults who work in schools have a responsibility to ensure the mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing of the children and young people in their care….I am sorry that has not been your experience. If parents are not happy with the way the Head Teacher has dealt with any complaints, they can contact their local Council…’
Ignoring and dodging legitimate concerns
‘All teachers in Scotland are required to evidence their ongoing commitment to the professional values laid out within the General Teaching Council of Scotland’s Standards for Registration. A commitment to the professional values of social justice, trust, respect and integrity are at the heart of the Professional Standards and should underpin a deep commitment to all learners’ cognitive, social and emotional growth and wellbeing'
Disingenuousness
‘The Scottish Government believes it is best for schools and teachers to design and deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of learners, within the curricular framework, and their communities and, as a result, to determine what is taught in their classrooms. This includes freedom to select which resources or organisations they feel will best help communicate particular topics.’
Word salad intent on obfuscation
‘Curriculum for Excellence is the national approach to learning and teaching for young people aged 3 to 18 in Scotland and is underpinned by the values of wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity. All content is age and stage appropriate and has been developed in line with national and international guidance.’
Gaslighting
‘The information presented within LGBTQI+ inclusive education should be presented in an objective, balanced and sensitive manner within a framework of sound values and an awareness of the laws around discrimination. This will help prepare children and young people to be responsible citizens within a diverse society. By receiving accurate, factual information, children and young people can form their own opinions, within their beliefs, in an open, supportive and respectful environment.’
ScotPAG’s view is that parents deserve so much better. Parents who voice concerns about an unproven ideology, that is already embedded in our schools, should not be dismissed and gaslighted in this way. It is time for our politicians to pay attention and listen to the many justifiable concerns articulated by parents!
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