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LETTER: Greater Victoria schools must look beyond majorityBԪַs wishes

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(Black Press Media file photo)

This is in response to Warren HammBԪַs letter, . In it, he states that BԪַit is imperative for school boards to make decisions that reflect the majority of views in their district, not their own or those of the minority.BԪַ

Schools used to exclude students by race and religion because that is what the BԪַmajorityBԪַ wanted. Schools used to teach creationism instead of science because that is what the BԪַmajorityBԪַ wanted. Schools used to restrict the classes students could take based on their gender, because that is what the BԪַmajorityBԪַ wanted. The decisions to change each of these were controversial, too. But fortunately, those in power chose to do what was right, and not what was popular.

As a parent, I donBԪַt want school boards to mindlessly impose what they think the BԪַmajorityBԪַ wants. I want them to look at all the evidence and make a decision in the best interests of all students. And that is what the School District 61 board did.

Anecdotes about pleasant encounters with SPLOs are lovely. But they do not overcome the evidence that these programs risk harming the students who are already the most vulnerable. So I am grateful for all the teachers, staff and board members who are not so quick to sacrifice a minority of students on the majorityBԪַs whims.

Laura Floyd

Victoria





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