As this Equity Policy was the 18th and final item of the evening, we were able to spend some time reviewing the document and were stunned with the findings. If one were to review the 6-page document there would seem to be very little to be concerned with. Essentially, the entire thrust is aimed at creating an environment which provides respect for Aboriginals, racial, ethnocultural and religious differences and that, for the most part, seems honorable. Certainly concerns would arise if satanic religions and the like were to be treated equitably and respectfully.

Where the alarm arises is in the associated glossary. True to all social engineering endeavours, the glossary redefines Race and Ethnicity as follows:

RACE - Race is a socially constructed classification and is therefore not determined biologically but socially and psychologically.

At the end of that night there was a Public Questions for Clarification session during which HWFAC took the opportunity to ask 2 questions, the answers of which only served to confirm our concerns.

Question #1: "HWFAC was assured on numerous occasions that we would be invited during the formation of such guidelines. It seems that the policy has now been formed and that HWFAC was not invited to participate. Are we misunderstanding something or, if not, why has HWFAC not been invited to participate?"

Response to Question # 1: "Perhaps this may have been an oversight, HWDSB may consider inviting HWFAC in the future. "

HWFAC replied to this response in writing as follows:"It cannot perhaps be an oversight. Either it was an oversight or it was intentional. If it was an oversight, then it is easily corrected. Establish the committee again, invite HWFAC to be a full partner and rework the guidelines from the beginning while being inclusive of all communities including those represented by HWFAC. If it was intentional, then your committee has a tremendous problem. If you intentionally excluded HWFAC because of our well established common belief system then your committee has intentionally excluded a ‘race’ (as you now define race) and is therefore racist in nature."

Question # 2: "HWFAC notes that in the Equity Policy, race has been redefined to be something that is socially and psychologically constructed and is therefore not constructed biologically. We at HWFAC do not agree that all life choices/behaviours are equal as they do not produce the same results, In fact, some choices/behaviours are physically destructive, emotionally crippling and spiritual damning. Our children and children of other families who share our belief/value system are very concerned about our children being indoctrinated into a belief/value system that teaches that all life/choices are equal and acceptable. How will my family’s and families of like belief systems, have their belief systems respected and protected and be assured that the belief system that we are instilling in our homes will not be contradicted in the classroom?"

Response to Question # 2: "This is a weighty question, we have no response at this time. We acknowledge this to be a very difficult point but can offer no assurances."

HWFAC replied to this response in writing as follows: "The fact that HWDSB had no response and could offer no assurances shows that the committee has made guidelines consisting of guiding principles of which it can offer no assurances will be carried out in a way that is not detrimental to many communities who identify some life choices/behaviours as physically destructive, emotionally crippling and spiritually damning."

As HWFAC presented the 2 questions that evening, Trustee Brennan attempted to block the questioning by over-talking HWFAC and requesting the Chair to shut us down. Her behaviour reminded us much of Sven Robinson; every time someone would try to make a significant point, Svend would shout and name call in an effort to have the discussion shut down. Thankfully, she was not successful this evening on that account although she was successful in unveiling the true agenda of the committee. More than once that evening Trustee Brennan stated, "This would be an `unlearning process.’"

This term ‘ unlearning process ‘ is indoctrination in the highest degree; removing one belief system and replacing it with another. Put this agenda together with the fact that HWDSB stated that evening that the ‘unlearning process ‘ would be mandatory for all HWDSB staff and it is apparent that the very school board that claims to be concerned about students becoming indoctrinated is making indoctrination mandatory.

Parents, this is the final front. If this mandatory ` unlearning process ‘ does not give you cause to be concerned about the implications on your child’s soul, then nothing will. It is time to flee the public school system if you can. If you cannot, then stand up, speak up and be counted. Contact your trustee today and demand an end to this damning agenda. Also, call or write Trustee Brennan and ask her to explain how this ‘ unlearning process ‘ is not indoctrinational.

Jim Enos, Vice-President, Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council