Last week, the BCPVPA Board of Directors passed a very special motion, which, while not unprecedented, did depart from our typical practice.
First, let me explain the context.
The pandemic unleashed an unanticipated challenge for BC school leaders: the targeting of schools as protest sites. A number of circumstances gave rise to schools in some communities becoming targets for protests against government and health orders, including mask mandates for staff and older students; a health order that was subsequently expanded to include early primary students; and the fear about potential vaccine mandates for students and school staff.
As pandemic policies and restrictions eased in all quarters, Principals and Vice-Principals returned their focus to rebuilding the priority on teaching and learning within their schools, and re-creating a sense of community for their students and staff, while grappling with the new challenge of significant staffing shortages.
Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) language, as articulated in BC Human Rights Act legislation, was incorporated into BC school Codes of Conduct almost a decade ago without controversy, and required public schools to be inclusive and non-discriminatory in their policies and practices.
However, initially driven by educational policy and political decisions made in the US, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, and with the subsequent protests that supported and opposed those decisions gaining traction and amplification through social media, the anti-SOGI movement was the result.
In September 2023, across the province and across the country, government locations of all types – city halls, legislature buildings, MP and MLA constituency offices, Board of Education offices, and, unfortunately, schools – became targets of anti-SOGI protests. Some of our members reported incidents of protestors banging on classroom windows or blocking access to the school while carrying placards and handing out pamphlets or brochures, or lingering as a daily presence with their signs on the other side of the school fence. Some staff members were targeted and harassed on social media. During a Chapter visit, I witnessed a procession of flag and placard-bearing community members marching through the town and passing several schools; I was told that this protest was an almost daily event. The educational environment at some school sites continues to be undermined and disrupted by the anti-SOGI movement.
School communities have also felt increasing pressure to demonstrate allegiance in international conflicts, creating new challenges for Principals and Vice-Principals.
The BCPVPA believes that schools are the heart of the community and places of learning. Schools should not be a place of protest, and the people that populate the schools – the Principals and Vice-Principals, the teachers, school staff, and the students – should not face a disruption in their work and learning environment.
As an Association, we do not align with political movements, and are not opposed to freedom of expression, or the right to gather. However, as Principals and Vice-Principals, we have a responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe and inclusive places to learn.
The BCPVPA, alongside our educational partners, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA), and the BC School Superintendents Association (BCSSA), has supported government in their understanding of the challenges these burgeoning protests have presented to school communities. We are grateful for the
recent introduction of Bill 22: Safe Access to Schools Act in the BC Legislature. The stated goal of the legislation is “
designed to protect students, staff, and families from disruptive and harmful protest activities at schools to preserve safe access to education.”
We wholeheartedly support this legislation and, on April 12, the BCPVPA Board of Directors passed the following motion:
The BCPVPA supports and appreciates Bill 22 (“bubble-zone”) legislation to prevent disruptive and harmful protests at schools to preserve safe access to education.
The motion passed unanimously.
Our motion, words of support, and thanks were passed along to representatives of the government. When advocacy brings about positive results, it is important to communicate our appreciation and support.
Bill 22 is making its way through the legislative process to Royal Assent and implementation. We hope this legislation can be in place for the new school year, and that schools can be upheld and respected as places of learning, rather than as locations ripe for a protest. I am sure you will agree.