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Debate is needed in policy issue

Dear Editor: Residents of Burnaby have come under unreasonable attack for engaging in rational debate over the anti-homophobic policy adopted by the school board.

Dear Editor:

Residents of Burnaby have come under unreasonable attack for engaging in rational debate over the anti-homophobic policy adopted by the school board.

I refer specifically to statements made by Patrick Henry, president of the Sooke Teachers Association that parents' response has been "bewildering and disturbing" and Susan Lambert, B.C. Teachers Federation president, who describes the reaction as "aggressive and unfortunate."

Anyone reading the policy will agree that there are reasonable grounds for rational debate, even if they wholeheartedly support the intent to uphold gay and lesbian rights.

The policy still contains conceptual confusions and vague language. It is also in conflict with other existing policies, namely policy 5.10, dealing with violence and intimidation, and policy 6.40, which is designed to promote "human interactions free from divisive attitudes based on religious beliefs."

Nowhere have I read that opponents, including Parents' Voice representatives, are against a bullying policy or equal rights for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

It is both naïve and irresponsible to jump to judgement of those who have examined the policy seriously and have unearthed problems.

If anything, blame should be levelled at the designers of the policy, who have caused this situation to exist, and not to those who have responded.

As for me, I am happy to be the resident of a community, which fosters healthy and rational debate on matters of major importance.

Ben Seebaran, Burnaby, retired school administrator