Editor: I was so encouraged to read such a balanced and compassionate letter from Mr. Etherington (Inclusion goes beyond parameters of SOGI, The Times March 30).
As a fellow educator I agree completely.
I teach at an online school in which a high percentage of students are enrolled who have multiple disabilities and conditions that make their education in a bricks and mortar school extremely difficult or very discouraging due to bullying and misunderstanding.
They range from students on various parts of the autism spectrum to those with severe depression and anxiety.
Many of them are not protected enough at school and have sought alternate means of schooling.
I too petition the developers of SOGI and the school districts of B.C. to be far more inclusive in their anti-bullying campaign.
Students with disabilities, those who dress differently for religious purposes, those who come from a lower socio-economic class and those who are even slightly outside of society’s “norms” are often bullied as well.
Students with disabilities, those who dress differently for religious purposes, those who come from a lower socio-economic class and those who are even slightly outside of society’s “norms” are often bullied as well.
Why single out one group to elevate for extra protection when revamping the current anti-bullying programs in schools would do far more to promote equality and compassion in our society?
Aren’t ALL students worth equal protection?
Marieke Jacobi,
Langley
