Mr. Barry Neufeld has spent the last few years on the Chilliwack school board trying to recreate a 1950s version of Chilliwack, or perhaps trying to create a 1950s version of Chilliwack that may have never existed.
He does not appear to take into account that Chilliwack, like the rest of Canada has grown, not just in numbers but also in diversity. He needs to remember that he represents all Chilliwack parents and students. This is a public school board not a private, religious board. He seems to negate that is a public board when he states that he has been trying to “implement educational policies compatible with people of faith.” Yes, people of faith do send their children to public schools but they are not the board’s only constituents. Everyone must be included.
• READ MORE: Chilliwack school board censures controversial trustee Barry Neufeld
• READ MORE: LETTER: A brief summary of the backwards opinions Barry Neufeld has shared
Unfortunately, Mr. Neufeld, by his own comments, marginalizes even further groups of students who are already marginalized.
Mr. Neufeld also presents himself as a victim. He is not. He is reaping the backlash and whirlwind of his own inflammatory comments.
He seems to want to blame others for his predicament such as when he disparages another trustee for organizing protests when she was not a trustee at the time.
He seems to neglect the fact that there were also rallies and protests in his favour. His description of the 2018 rally was not what I remember. I was there. Yes there was noise but it was mostly from cars driving by and, by the way, I was not bused in for the rally and neither were others.
Mr. Neufeld certainly does not have to like his colleagues but he does need to respect them.
No progress on this School Board will be made for the benefit of all students unless he works together with them whether or not they agree with his personal beliefs.
Mr. Neufeld needs to look around him and see how this community has and is changing.
Jennifer Scott
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