Dear Editor:
Designating a special day to show opposition to bullying in schools and society should receive ubiquitous support.
But if LGBTQ activists present it as a day to focus on "homophobic" (a prob-
lematic term) bullying alone, it is likely to invite unnecessary criticism and controversy.
While the idea may have stemmed from an incident involving a gay student, the original intent of the national and provincial proclamation of Pink Shirt Day was to express opposition to all forms of bullying directed towards any individual or group.
However, gay activist leaders in some schools appear to be steering the campaign against bullying in a direction to favour their own agenda.
It seems ironic that the same activists, who have worked relentlessly for inclusion, are now demonstrating an exclusionary tactic.
LGBTQ supporters are perhaps confusing the anti-homophobic bullying policy 5.45 with Pink Shirt Day, which is meant to be much broader in scope.
The message has to get across that all bullying is to be condemned, and that all bullying victims deserve fair and equitable treatment.
Besides, keeping the anti-bullying school program broad and inclusive makes it more likely to gain the full support and cooperation of staff and students.
Your newspaper and other media can hopefully help clarify the intent or focus of Pink Shirt Day.
Ben Seebaran, Burnaby
