The New Westminster DPAC is raising its voice in support of SOGI inclusive education as protests and counter-protests take place across the country.
The SD40 district parent advisory council is one of the signatories to a letter from DPACs around B.C., titled “No Space for Hate in Our Schools.”
The group 1 Million March 4 Children is holding events across Canada today (Wednesday, Sept. 20). The group's website says it advocates for the elimination of "the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools."
In response, community organizations and grassroots groups are holding their own counter-demonstrations.
In Metro Vancouver, rallies are taking place in Coquitlam, Vancouver and Surrey. No events were announced for New Westminster, but the local DPAC joined in signing a statement from 12 different parent groups around the province.
“As B.C. DPACs, we stand with our children, parents and caregivers to support and recognize the diverse culture in our schools and our society,” the statement says.
“We believe SOGI inclusive education reflects diversity, including g the acknowledgment of multiple genders and sexualities, which plays a pivotal role in educating our students about the world they inhabit.”
The statement says the parent groups are committed to continue supporting parent and caregiver communities in education about the significance of SOGI education and how it benefits children.
“We would urge everyone to learn more about the current B.C. education curriculum and understand why it is crucial that sexual orientation and gender identity is part of public education. We also recognize that trans and gender-diverse people have always been part of society and that 2SLGBTQIA+ represents a vital facet of the beautiful mosaic that constitutes the human experience.”
It concludes: “On a day when our children will see a lot of hate in the media and the world around them, we encourage our communities to show love and express your unwavering support for inclusivity within our schools.”
The statement is also signed by DPACs from the Vancouver, Central Okanagan, North Vancouver, Kamloops-Thompson, Surrey, Victoria, Vernon, Langley, Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Sooke and Prince George school districts.
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