I am writing to thank and applaud the students that were at Monday night's board meeting in support of the LBGTQ anti-discrimination policy being developed by our school district.
The stories I heard of the abuse and bigotry (it is beyond bullying) these children endure every day of their school lives is shocking.
When we hear their stories, they are eerily similar to the what the African Americans endured in the '50s and '60s, and that these are now coming from our high schoolers in this district is heartbreaking.
So much for society being tolerant and accepting.
I want to mostly tell those students, parents and teachers that their courage to say what they did in a public forum was an inspiration and to let them know that their voices are heard and they are making a difference.
With courage like theirs, they will make the world a better place, and my heart goes out to all those that are struggling to be heard.
We all are human, and I thought we got past the kind of hate, anger and ignorance that leads to these kind of abuses, but I guess the kids haven't gotten it yet. Maybe as parents we can work harder on showing it.
I also wonder why a specific policy needs to be had to deal with one specific group.
Are all these abuses not hate crimes?
Should our district policy not be against all discrimination, regardless of the reason for the harassment?
After listening to those stories, I sincerely hope that, regardless of their orientation, my children will not face this kind of abuse during their high school years.
Denise Macdonald
Prince George
