Global Courant
Protesters opposing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy (SOGI123) disrupted a school board meeting in Surrey, BC, on Wednesday evening.
During the question period, protesters held signs and used a megaphone to call for an end to SOGI123 and the resignation of trustees.
“The district or board (doesn’t have) any issues with freedom of speech and we actually welcome it. But we welcome it with a respectful tone,” said Laurie Larsen, chair of the Surrey Board of Education, who adjourned the meeting early.
SOGI123 is a set of policies and programs adopted by the BC education system focused on creating inclusive classrooms for 2SLGBTQ students and staff,
Larsen says behavior that endangers someone’s safety and violates the standards of behavior will not be tolerated.
She notes that attendees who violate the guidelines, which include asking inappropriate questions during meetings, may be warned by the board, removed from meetings or referred to appropriate authorities.
“We can have a discussion that can be quite calm and educational for both parties,” Larsen said. “So it’s just the disrespect and the way they continue to intimidate and bully people that’s the problem.”
There were two attacks on SOGI education in the Lower Mainland yesterday.
On Wednesday night, Amrit Birring of the Freedom Party of BC organized a small group to disrupt the meeting of the Surrey Board of Education. The curators and attendees were forced to leave the room. pic.twitter.com/04sMKbUtGx
Board meeting aborted
Larsen says Wednesday night’s protest came as no surprise to board members. The past three board meetings have had minor disruptions related to SOGI.
“The last few of our board meetings have been disrupted, not nearly as bad as this was,” Larsen said. “But… they came with signs and placards. Lots of jeering and bullying.”
Larsen added that the board and RCMP have been monitoring social media activity and were aware of the protest prior to the meeting.
She says she decided to end the meeting early after the anti-SOGI speakers allegedly used inappropriate language.
“Once there’s yelling and yelling, no party is going to be able to have a good conversation… There wouldn’t be anything that would benefit from staying the extra 10 or 15 minutes for the question period,” she said.
Tensions have been “building since January,” protester says
According to the Ministry of Education, SOGI inclusive education helps students understand and respect each other’s differences and respond to discrimination.
Amrit Birring, one of the anti-SOGI protesters at the rally, says the group wanted answers from the school board regarding what he considered inappropriate books and curricula.
“(SOGI) is being done in the name of LGBTQ community inclusion and we understand it, so that part is great,” he said. “Our contention is that they are… pushing this agenda that has nothing to do with inclusion.”
At the coast10:01Surrey Board of Education meeting aborted early due to anti-SOGI protest
A group of people protesting the provincial sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum, SOGI 123, interrupted Surrey’s education council last night. Laurie Larsen, the chairman of the board of directors, joined us with more.
Birring alleges that the SOGI curriculum and BC public school libraries contain books that contain inappropriate and pornographic images.
He says the school board has addressed their concerns, stating that the books have taught students about human anatomy and diversity. Birring claims the books and curriculum are not appropriate for young learners and are a “joint effort to attack family values”.
Larsen says parents who are concerned about their children reading or borrowing inappropriate books should talk to teachers and librarians who “really make sure the book is appropriate for the child’s age.”
Birring says the group protested at several school board meetings, but they were respectful and willing to engage in conversation.
“People didn’t start screaming at the first meeting. It’s been building since January,” he said.
“We went there last month too. At that point there were no protests, signs, nothing. Just simple questions. Even then (the trustees) chose to walk away.”
Education and Child Care Minister Rachna Singh said in a statement that any form of hate speech, discrimination or attempts to spread misinformation will not be tolerated.
“Hate has no place in BC, especially in our schools… As we strive to make BC a more welcoming place for all, we are strengthening our government’s continued support for more equitable and inclusive schools,” she said.
