Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council Dedicated to Preserving Family Values P.O. Box 66714, 38 King Street East, Stoney Creek, ON CANADA L8G 5E6

EQUITY POLICY UPDATE

April, 2005 It was on February 9, 2004 that the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) introduced their Equity Policy with the associated glossary of re-defined terms which, in our opinion (based on documentation), was designed to set a framework for the normalization, promotion and equalization of homosexual, bisexual and transgendered sexual conduct and lifestyle. This Equity Policy includes mandatory training courses under which all HWDSB staff would be directed in the need to defeat homophobia in the classroom and on the playground. Many will remember previous articles by our council (HWFAC) that told how Trustee Brennan, 3 times that evening, referred to this policy as the 'Unlearning Process.' What has HWFAC been doing in response to this? We have been intensely involved in this issue, ongoing since that evening. Some of the steps we have taken are as follows: Posed key questions to Superintendent Chuck Reid that evening during public question period. Immediate e-mail response to Superintendent Reid and trustees regarding the implications of the anti-homophobia strand of the Equity Policy. Written communication with the Minister of Education. Two meetings with HWDSB to which 4 pastors attended with HWFAC to discuss their faith community's position on the normalization of high-risk behaviours. Communications with Christian Legal Fellowship. Retention of a litigation lawyer from Christian Legal Fellowship to advise HWFAC on legal avenues available. Preparation and circulation of 'Purpose of Equity Policy' survey for parent councils and correspondence to principals in approximately 120 elementary schools. Successfully sought and obtained a qualified and highly skilled Policy Consultant for HWFAC. Prepared for and presented an intense 2.5 hour workshop that armed concerned parents with the ample and documented evidence displaying HWDSB's goal to promote and normalize homosexual, bisexual and transgendered conduct and lifestyle. At this workshop, participants were divided into teams and trained to effectively communicate their concerns with only one hour of their time over the following week by participating in a phone blitz. During that week, each day, team players were to make 2 phone calls each morning and 2 phone calls each afternoon to Director Chris Spence and Superintendent Chuck Reid, until they received a personal phone call from each. By Wednesday evening of that week, HWDSB requested the scheduling of a meeting between HWFAC, Director Chris Spence and Superintendent Chuck Reid. Each caller who so desired, also received a written response from HWDSB recognizing that their concerns were being heard. Where does this Equity Policy stand today? On March 2, 2005, HWFAC met with Director Spence and Superintendent Reid and is pleased to report that there was open and meaningful dialogue. Thank you to all those who prayed regarding that meeting; the prayer support was evident. We hope to meet again with HWDSB in late April. In the mean time, it is imperative that parents request a meeting with your child's teacher and respectfully but firmly insist that your child's teacher not discuss homosexual, bisexual or transgendered conduct or lifestyles in the classroom. If you have not done so already, consider submitting the Declaration of Spiritual Values which is available on our website. The Declaration is an excellent way of documenting your discussion with the teacher regarding your family's spiritual values.

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Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council (CFAC Hamilton Branch) P.O. Box 66714, 38 King Street East, Stoney Creek, ON CANADA L8G 5E6