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Knowledge and expertise center Rutgers is taking legal action against Civitas Christiana, a Dutch ultra-conservative organisation, due to the persistent lies and slander that Civitas continues to spread about Rutgers and the Week of Spring Fever. The Week is an annual project week in which schools can participate to provide structured lessons on resilience, relationships and sexuality. We are taking these legal steps because we want to support parents and teachers and combat misinformation.
Rutgers draws the line
In recent years, Civitas has consistently spread lies and disinformation ahead of the Week of Spring Fever. After consulting with its legal counsel, Rutgers has now decided to take a stand.
“With this preliminary summons, we want to support teachers and schools facing pushback from parents due to ongoing disinformation. We know that the vast majority of teachers, parents and children actually want this information. Civitas’s lies are dangerous and must stop,” says Luc.
Research shows that 9 out of 10 parents are in favor of mandatory relationship and sexuality education, while only 2% oppose it.
Let children be children
We all want children to grow up carefree for as long as possible and simply enjoy being kids. However, in today’s world of social media and the internet, children are increasingly exposed to sexuality, nude images, peer pressure, and misinformation at a young age—often without parents even realising it. This can make children feel insecure about themselves and their bodies, while their mental health and well-being continue to decline.
By providing children with honest and reliable information both at home and in school, they learn that their body belongs to them. They develop a more positive self-image, learn to express their boundaries and wishes, and recognise and respect those of others. These are essential life lessons that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.