Trustees receive feedback on epic meeting

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This article was published 13/06/2023 (1197 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While Monday’s Brandon School Division board meeting wasn’t nearly as bombastic as last month’s big forum at Vincent Massey High School, discussions around book banning and LGBTQ+ issues continued to linger in the background.

During the “Communications for Action” section of Monday’s meeting, BSD trustees went over the correspondence they received from members of the public following the May 23 assembly, during which the board voted 6-1 to reject the establishment of a book review committee that could have potentially banned certain content from division shelves.

Even though most of the people who attended the May 23 board meeting were aligned with the board on this decision, more than half of the anonymous comments featured on Monday’s agenda were more in line with former trustee Lorraine Hackenschmidt, who originally proposed this book review committee on May 8.

“I would like to show support of banning inappropriate books for small kids,” one mother wrote, alluding to Hackenschmidt’s original proposal to review books that contain LGBTQ+ content and discussions related to sexual health.

“It is not necessary for them to hear or see these things at that age. And I for one would not like my young daughter (to) be taught a teacher’s opinion on these important matters. I as a parent (I) am responsible for that.”

Other submissions were critical of the board’s handling of the May 23 meeting, which featured lots of passionate testimony and debate from members of the public throughout the course of six hours.

“I was disappointed and almost appalled at the lack of control and discussion at the meeting,” one person wrote.

“I realize that you have to represent the community. I understand. But this was a political statement. There was no debate. It was pointless. Everyone’s stance was clear from the beginning, and no one was willing to move from it.”

At least one correspondent even stated that trustees should be criminally charged for allowing “pornographic” material to circulate in the division, although this person did not provide specific examples of which specific books they would consider a jailable offence.

“There are laws to protect our children and your all inclusion and awareness should not trump your requirement to keep the students safe and free from PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL.”

However, this collection of correspondence did feature some support for the BSD board and its ruling on the book review committee.

One person praised the trustees for refusing to go down a “slippery slope” that would have led to the widespread banning of books and further marginalization of LGBTQ+ students.

“Knowing that students in Brandon have support and a safe place at school is so important and heartwarming. You are on the right side of history, and extending kindness and compassion to one another, especially those that are marginalized, is always the best course of action.”

Another correspondent thanked most of the trustees for standing up against the “bullies” who spearheaded this campaign in the first place, while a third person stated that the board’s vote will have a positive impact on communities across the province.

In terms of the May 23 meeting specifically, one individual was happy the board allowed this lengthy forum to take place at all.

“Thank you for ensuring our community was heard, and thank you for standing by what’s right and leaving the decisions on appropriate books to the experts — our librarians,” this person wrote.

“This demonstration from the majority of the board members gives me hope that you will work to repair the damage caused by allowing the May 8th delegation.”

BSD chairperson Linda Ross briefly commented on this issue at the end of Monday’s meeting, saying books currently available in division libraries are not selected at random and are chosen by professional librarians instead.

The next BSD board meeting is scheduled to take place June 26 at 7:30 a.m.

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