Letter to Donna Kriger- superintendent of SD83

In this very crucial time in our society, where division and misinformation is rampant, it is the responsibility of our leaders to speak for all sides and to be a unifying force not a dividing force.

Photo source: www.sd83.bc.ca

There are malevolent forces at work on all sides. There is hate and intolerance on all sides.

But these are very small in number and do not represent the vast majority of people.

The true concern however, lies not only in the school boards directive to engage in concealment and secrecy from parents regarding the welfare of their children, but also the vicious labelling of anyone who questions policy and curriculum.

A direct line from district 83 policy 121 reads

“school staff will ensure student safety by maintaining confidentiality and will provide support as directed by the student”

This is a direct quote from the SOGI website, which implies that teachers have the freedom to apply any and all teachings they feel ‘necessary’ or ‘passionate’ about in terms of Gender Identity.

“Teachers can adapt or adopt SOGI 1 2 3 lesson plans to meet the needs of their classrooms”

I have read several lesson plans as well as the overarching thesis that SOGI is based upon. In most instances it is about teaching children to accept others based on their core being and not based on their appearance or how they themselves identify.

The importance of educating our children to accept those who are different is essential. However, the way in which this is done today is by no means universally accepted.  The vast majority of people still maintain that there are two genders, yet this belief, which is founded in biology and history is now considered bigotry and hate by those in positions of control.

Any and all misinformation or misdirection within our schools or the public at large in terms of the understanding and implementation of SOGI and gender ideology lies directly in the hands of the school board and the board administration.

Photo source: www.sd83.bc.ca

The refusal to have frank and open discussions about the broader implications of gender ideology within our school system is a complete disservice to our children and to the general public.

The district leaders use of terms such as ‘hate’ ‘phobia’ ‘bigotry’ ‘misogyny’ ‘intolerance’ etc to label those who question the very curriculum to which their children are taught further agitates parents who are not being heard.

Very real concerns, not only within schools but in all institutions, about shared safe spaces for female students are ignored.

Girls and women’s sports are being appropriated by biological males across North America

Medical and pharmaceutical procedures on children in the name of gender affirming care are being championed across all channels.

The exploitation of children is being used by extreme actors within this ideological cause.

The secrecy and concealment from parents by school staff regarding a child’s physical, psychological and medical well being is not something to be taken lightly and directly contradicts the roles and responsibilities of all those who directly influence our children.

These are the concerns of parents.

These are the concerns of the public.

These are the concerns of those who wish to promote body and self acceptance in our children during their most vulnerable years.

These are not phobics, bigots or right wing extremists.

These are human beings with perspectives and views based on morality who wish to see all children love their body, their mind and their soul the way it is.

This should be the goal of every parent, teacher and administrator.

For those championing inclusiveness, the vast majority are not being included.  In every announcement made, you ignore every single child that does not ‘identify’

This is by definition reverse discrimination and at any other time would not be acceptable.

I implore you to cease exploiting those children with true gender dysphoria.

I implore you to listen to parents with perspectives different than yourself.

I implore you to consider the implications of every word spoken or written.

I implore you to be the leaders that you were elected or appointed to be. For all children and for the parents of those children.

It is imperative that these issues are addressed immediately.  To ensure that the trust in the institutions in which our children are educated are not further eroded.  To ensure there is no further need for district wide lockdowns because of perceived threats.

I pray that you have the humility and the wisdom to acknowledge what was read and that concrete action will be taken to serve the members of the community and the children in your care.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Parent