â–º Listen Live
â–º Listen Live
HomeNewsBC Teacher's Federation President keeping a close eye on SD57 drama

BC Teacher’s Federation President keeping a close eye on SD57 drama

“It would be nice to hear a collective statement that reaffirms their commitment to the principles that underline public education.”

Those are the words of Clint Johnston, the President of the BC Teacher’s Federation, when looking at School District 57’s handling of criticism from the PG District Teacher’s Association (PGDTA), who is based out of Chilliwack.

Daryl Beauregard – PGDTA President – was banned from speaking at Tuesday’s (Feb 28) school board meeting after repeatedly criticizing SD57 for not speaking out against, or recognizing homophobia and transphobia within the district.

The whole situation began when a member of the public, who himself unsuccessfully ran for school board this fall, made comments at December’s board meeting, some of which were transphobic in nature.

- Advertisement -

Following his statement, Board Chair Rachael Weber thanked and praised him for speaking.

Especially since Beauregard was denied the ability to speak earlier this week, this story has started to gain attention around the province, finding its way to Johnston’s desk.

“I think the first point that we would have disagreed with is the thanking of the member of the public who got up and spoke,” he said.

“I understand that chairs often thank members of the public who speak, but given that what was shared was very contradictory to positions and perspectives of the ministry and ourselves… we think that step right there was what started the ball of problems rolling.”

In the wake of this ball, Beauregard has previously told My PG Now that this rhetoric has gotten to the point where some LGBTQ+ teachers and staff within the district do not feel safe at work.

“That individual who began sharing comments that don’t align – and that we would argue put students and staff at harm, [should have] been shut down, and certainly not thanked for their contribution,” Johnston said.

He said the situation in SD57 is “symbolic” for other rumblings around the province centered around SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) and other LGBTQ+ related education, policy, and programming.

“There was a concerted effort to put forward candidates in the last municipal election that held, to us, quite homophobic and transphobic perspectives… Fortunately most of them were not successful but there remains that out there.”

- Advertisement -

Johnston said he would like to see a statement from the SD57 board denouncing this type of behavior, which is what Beauregard has been campaigning for since December.

He said his “optimistic side” thinks one reason a statement has not been made could be because the board might be in communication with the BC School Trustees Association looking for “advice moving forward to avoid making any more slip ups.”

Looking at the events leading up to Tuesday’s meeting, Johnston said he was disappointed that Beauregard was denied the opportunity to speak.

Once again, he remained optimistic that it was a misunderstanding that will right itself soon, but he hopes to “see the local voice of teachers be able to come to a meeting and be able to speak and address this issue.”

If the situation is not as optimistic as Johnston hopes, he would like to see the Ministry of Education “weigh in and assure the public that the perspectives shared by either individuals or boards is not reflective of the ministry, or what children are getting when they are in school.”

A change Johnston would like to see at the Ministry level is for members of school boards to be individually held responsible by the Ministry if one takes “actions that are really contradictory and harmful to employee groups and students.”

He said right now if that were to happen it is an all or nothing deal – the entire board gets reprimanded or none of them do.

He made clear he does not currently believe this is necessary in School District 57.

- Advertisement -

My PG Now also reached out to the Minister of Education, Board Chair Rachael Weber, and SD57 Superintendent Cindy Heitman for comment.

A representative from the Ministry of Education told My PG Now that the Minister, Rachna Singh, would not speak on the topic but they did provide the following information, showing they are aware of the situation:

  • The School Act permits boards of education the authority to conduct their meetings and establish procedures governing meeting conduct.
  • As such, the Prince George School Board is responsible for board policies and procedures related to who can speak at their board meetings.
  • School board trustees are elected and are accountable to their constituents.  They are expected to engage their school community and their wider communities thoughtfully and respectfully when making decisions.
  • Our government is committed to ensuring that all students and staff regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or ethnicity have safe and supportive learning environments.
  • The Ministry will continue to work closely with the SD57 Board of Education to support a learning environment where all students can thrive, feel safe and are free to express themselves.

The School District and Board has maintained their silence and not responded to any requests for interview.

This sign was brand new on the District Board Room’s wall, visible during the meeting on Tuesday.

A sign that can be found in the School District 57 board room (Photo by Will Peters, My PG Now staff)

Johnston also discussed what SOGI actually is and why the province has implemented it. That discussion will be published in a separate article on Saturday.

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading