LETTER: BC classrooms become battlegrounds for identity politics

Education is the cornerstone of our society; it should be a priority in every political election.

Anyone familiar with our current public education system knows that it is in serious need of an overhaul, at all levels. Accusations of books being banned by a political party require a closer look, rather than just believing a headline. Books like “Of Mice and Men” and “To Kill A Mockingbird” have already been removed by some school districts, because they, not the state parties, are responsible for the teaching materials.

But as these books are discarded, others have taken their place. “Gender Queer” is one of many graphically explicit books aimed at children as young as 11. Preschool materials, which illustrate sexual activities that would not pass a restricted label for general film screening, are used more frequently. Lessons on sexism and gender identity are taught to seven-year-olds, while spelling bees, long division and learning to write have all been discarded. Priorities have shifted, and our declining student achievement reflects that.

The classroom, once a revered place for learning, has been transformed into a battleground for identity politics and ideological concepts, much to the dismay of parents, teachers and students. And look who has joined the Conservatives. Former BC United education critic Elenore Sturko recently crossed the floor.

As a proud gay mother of a wife and three, she was rudely awakened to the reality of our schools and the resources being used. Her initial support for SOGI and other resources quickly turned to dismay after hearing countless stories of what children are exposed to on a regular basis. Something has to be done.

Banning books is never a good idea, but grading school books and sources is. This responsibility was abandoned long ago by the province, by using your children as guinea pigs in our classrooms. It is right to sound the alarm about this, and the only party prepared to take on this responsibility is the Conservatives. This does not sound like a bad idea to me.

Tara Houle

North Saanich