Barry Neufeld has apologized for comments made earlier this week on Facebook.
The Chilliwack school trustee criticized the LGBTQ support program, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 123 (SOGI 123), implemented by Liberal Minister of Education, Mike Bernier in 2015.
In his Facebook post, Neufeld said, “allowing little children to chose their gender is nothing short of child abuse.”
He also stated the SOGI 123 program has been “morphed into a weapon of propaganda, to infuse every subject matter from K – 12 with the latest fad: gender theory.”
Chilliwack Board of Education Chairperson, Paul McManus, said in a release that Neufeld’s post was his own personal opinion.
“The Board of Education strongly believes that its schools need to be safe and welcoming places for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or background, and that all students deserve to be welcomed, included and respected in a safe learning environment while being fully and completely themselves.”
In a news release on Wednesday, Neufeld apologized to those hurt by his post, but stuck to his opinions of SOGI 123.
“I firmly believe that the implementation of the SOGI 123 resources needs to be reviewed by engaging parents and teachers.”
There has been no news yet on whether Neufeld will continue his trustee duties in the district.
In October of 2016, the Chilliwack Board of Education approved changes in their policies to ensure B.C. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and the B.C. Human Rights Code are followed so that all students are free of bullying and harassment in their learning environment.
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