BC's Ministry of Education has released a joint statement in response to a complaint Tuesday about remarks made by a Chilliwack school trustee.
Barry Neufeld criticized a province-wide program aimed at creating inclusive public schools by supporting LGBTQ students. On his Facebook page, Neufeld posted that part of the resource he believes encourages children to question their biological gender and consider gender transition is "nothing short of child abuse."
The joint statement by Minister of Education Rob Fleming, BC Teachers' Federation, BC School Superintendents' Association and BC Principals and Vice-Principals' Association among others, states "we believe that all schools in our province, public and independant, must be spaces that are safe, acceptable, respectful and welcoming of all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or background and that there is no room for discrimination."
The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Council is also included in this statement.