A Burnaby teacher has received a death threat related to policy 5.45, the school district's gay friendly policy designed to protect staff and students from homophobia.
James Sanyshyn, vice-president of the Burnaby Teachers' Association, brought the threat up at a Nov. 1 all-candidates debate for school trustee hopefuls. Sanyshyn was also one of the people pushing for the school board to adopt policy 5.45, and he directed his comments to Burnaby Parents' Voice candidate Charter Lau, an outspoken opponent of the policy.
"Charter are you aware of any hate threat directed towards Burnaby staff that may come from supporters of your party?" Sanyshyn asked.
"No I don't," Lau replied.
James then presented a copy of the threat, a typed letter sent to a Burnaby teacher in June.
The note read:
"Must immediately withdraw POLICY #5.45! Adhere to basic social principles! You have no right to do so! You want to destroy our children! You are our enemy! You will be shot!"
On top of the text, an X was drawn through "policy 5.45," and there were two small knives drawn with blood dripping from them.
"Can you see a problem with a party that engenders hatred towards a minority group and then runs on a single issue," Sanyshyn asked, directing his question to other candidates at the table.
Harman Pandher, a trustee candidate with the Burnaby Citizens Association, responded to Sanyshyn.
"That is disturbing to hear that," Pandher said. "The type of rhetoric that has come out ... in the last year, and during this election campaign in terms of opposition to policy 5.45. It's sad to see we can't have a discourse in democracy upon an issue. It is divisive, but I think it comes down to children's safety - protecting children of all backgrounds, all identities - putting children first, learners first, and that's the ultimate responsibility of a school board."
After the meeting, Gordon World, a Burnaby Parents' Voice school trustee candidate, said the death threat was terrible.
"Regardless of the reasons and which side you are on, it's completely inappropriate and illegal," World said. "We would obviously not agree with that tactic for anyone with any policy."
Sanyshyn deferred comment to the teachers' association president, Richard Storch, who couldn't say much except that the RCMP are investigating.
"All I know is one of our members received a death threat," Storch said.
The NOW has learned that one other person in the school district has also received a death threat similar in nature, but that person wishes to remain anonymous at this time.
The Burnaby RCMP also couldn't reveal much, as the matter is under investigation.
"We don't comment on personal information when someone has called the police and therefore can not comment on this letter you have," wrote RCMP spokesperson Brenda Gresiuk in an email response to the NOW. "What I can say is the police did receive a report of threats and are actively investigating."
OMINOUS MESSAGE:
A copy of the death threat sent to a Burnaby teacher over policy 5.45, the school district's attempt to stamp out homophobia.
