Jason Evert, a Catholic speaker, has been invited to speak at St Joseph’s Catholic College in Sydney for the seventh time. In response to concerns from parents and students, Evert stated that his presentations focus on positive messages about chastity and modesty, rather than hate, bigotry, or medical misinformation. He believes that parents have the right to choose what kind of information their children receive on sexuality, which is why many opt for a Catholic education. However, some parents and students feel that Evert’s views, such as describing homosexuality as ‘disordered’, do not align with modern Catholic teachings and may be harmful or alienating to students.
Sarah Greenaway, a parent at St Joseph’s, expressed concerns about Evert’s views and the potential impact they could have on students. A group of year 10 students also wrote a letter to the school expressing their concerns about Evert’s messages and morals, which they believe to be outdated. Despite these concerns, Catholic Schools Broken Bay stated that they have initiatives in place to provide students with opportunities to hear from guest speakers who align with Catholic Church teachings. They believe it is important to offer reassurance and certainty in a challenging and complex world about relationships and sexuality, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay confirmed that although students are encouraged to participate in Evert’s session, it will not be compulsory. This decision comes in light of the diverse messages and information that young people are exposed to in today’s society. The spokeswoman for Catholic Schools Broken Bay emphasized the importance of promoting healthy and respectful relationships, while acknowledging the concerns raised by parents and students about Evert’s views. The school is committed to providing a balanced and supportive environment for students to navigate discussions around relationships and sexuality.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Jason Evert’s upcoming presentation at St Joseph’s Catholic College highlights the ongoing debate within Catholic communities about how to address issues of sexuality and relationships with young people. While some parents and students appreciate Evert’s emphasis on chastity and modesty, others feel that his views may be outdated or harmful. Catholic Schools Broken Bay is working to strike a balance between providing students with opportunities to learn about Catholic teachings on relationships and ensuring that all students feel included and supported. The decision to make Evert’s session optional reflects the school’s commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
