As leaders of various faith communities and educational advocacy groups in British Columbia, we feel called to speak out publicly regarding principles basic to the rights of parents and children. These principles are not peculiar to any one faith or to people of faith only, but can be defended by rational argument, and for centuries have been part of the ideals of our society. We call on government to recognize the rights of parents as they pertain to public education in this province.

We affirm our common desire to ensure in the schools of B.C. an atmosphere in which harassment or abuse directed at any student for any reason is not tolerated. We also affirm that parents must be recognized as the primary educators of their children (cf. Article 16, United Nations “Universal Declaration of Human rights”). Therefore, access to the means of influencing the development of curriculum for all subjects in B.C. public schools should be equally open to all parents. Government should also respect the rights of parents to choose the option of alternative delivery of content in areas they judge to be sensitive. Further, government should recognize the primary role of parents and family in inculcating ethical and moral standards.

Latest News

School district takes sexuality policy public to get comments

Draft plan provides guideline to deal with ‘minority’ groups

May 29, 2010

(Robert Barron, Nanaimo Daily News)New draft policies about how sexual minorities are treated in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district are going before the public for comments and suggestions.

The ad-hoc committee established two years ago specifically to form new policies around how sexual minorities (including gay, bisexual, transvestites and transgendered people) are dealt with in the district tabled the recommendations this week.

Continue reading here.

Langley constituents cautiously hopeful after meeting with Children & Family Minister Polak

LANGLEY, April 30, 2010 (TBOS) — A meeting of concerned Langley constituents with Langley MLA Mary Polak (who is also Minister of Children and Family Development, and Minister Responsible for Child Care) today produced some hopeful results—but also some concerns.

Physicians Caution Educators on Dealing with Sexual Orientation and Gender Confusion

(Press Release from factsaboutyouth.com, April 5, 2010) The American College of Pediatricians cautions educators about the management of students experiencing same-sex attraction or exhibiting symptoms of gender confusion. These concerns are outlined in a letter and fact sheet sent by College president Thomas Benton, MD, to all 14, 800 school district superintendents in the U.S. Dr. Benton also alerts them to a new Web resource, FactsAboutYouth.com, which was created by a coalition of health professionals to provide factual information to educators, parents, and students about sexual development.

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