The Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Board of Education along with our partner groups once again wish to reiterate our full support for the Minister of Education and Child Care's September 2022, K-12 education partners' joint statement in support of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
We believe that Ï㽶ֱ²¥ students, staff and families deserve to feel safe and accepted for who they are and to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination.
Ï㽶ֱ²¥ is committed to creating supportive and respectful learning environments that are consistent with our District’s SOGI policy, regulations and guidelines, the BC Human Rights Code and the mandate from the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Additionally, our board is grateful for the ongoing work of the district’s SOGI advisory committee, which directs the implementation of our SOGI policy.
Incidences of hate and attacks against the 2SLGBTQIA+ continue to rise, despite our district's collective efforts to create awareness and understanding. Recently, several school districts across BC have experienced vandalism of rainbow crosswalks and pride flags within their communities.
On September 20, 2023, we are aware that some groups have planned a series of protests across Canada under the name #millionmarch4children. Acts of vandalism are unacceptable, and our board and partners wish to condemn hate in our schools, our community, and in the City of Ï㽶ֱ²¥. We are encouraging other local political leaders to join us in condemning these actions.
Debbie Tablotney
Chairperson,ÌýOn Behalf of the Board of EducationÌý
Liz Baverstock
President, Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Teachers' Association
Stacey Robinson
President, CUPE Local 716
Gordon Fitt
President, Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Association of School Administrators
Andrew Scallion
President, Ï㽶ֱ²¥ District Parents Association
Kelly Gibson
Chair, Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Management & Professional Staff