VANCOUVER — A Chilliwack school trustee is facing a human rights complaint for controversial comments he has made about gender identity and sexual orientation. Teachers’ Federation and Chilliwack Teachers’ Association allege in their joint complaint that trustee Barry Neufeld’s statements and social media posts have been “discriminatory,” and are likely to expose transgender individuals to hatred. Neufeld later apologized for his comments, saying he believes in a safe learning environment but that educational resources should be reviewed by parents and teachers before they’re implemented. In January, he said in a statement that he must remain on the Chilliwack Board of Education to protect “impressionable children.”The board had passed a motion asking him to resign. Education Minister Rob Fleming has also called for Neufeld to step down, saying the trustee’s comments have undermined the goals of the school board and the ministry.

Source: National Post April 15, 2018 23:48 UTC