Image: Facebook / Image: Facebook / SD33 board chair Willow Reichelt has apologized on behalf of the Chilliwack School District for this meme circulated by school board trustee Teri Westerby showing a steamroller physically crushing Christian values, traditional families and those who hold pro-life views. Westerby made the post in the past week, but the meme was brought to light by several media outlets in the past few days.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

SD33 board chair issues apology

SD33 board chair issues apology for controversial meme circulated by Teri Westerby

Jul 31, 2023 | 2:07 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Board of Education chair Willow Reichelt has issued an apology on behalf of the school district after trustee Teri Westerby circulated a Barbie-themed meme on social media that depicts a steamroller trampling Christian values and those that hold traditional values.

In the past week, Westerby circulated a meme on social media that appears to lampoon reaction in some conservative circles around the blockbuster Barbie movie starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie.

The meme disseminated by Westerby depicts Gosling and Robbie rejoicing in the bottom right-hand corner while a road roller moves to physically crush Christian values, those who adhere to certain traditional family views and those who hold a pro-life view around the sanctity of life.

“The meme that Trustee Westerby shared on his personal Facebook page was intended to poke fun at online commentators who are upset that the Barbie movie has a feminist message,” Reichelt said in a statement emailed to Fraser Valley Today. “If you know the history of the meme, you know that the intent is not to advocate crushing traditional values but to point out the absurdity of saying that the Barbie movie has that power. However, if you do not know the meme’s history, it’s understandable that the image could be hurtful. I apologize on behalf of the board for any hurt caused, and I want to offer my assurance that Christians and other people of faith are welcome and supported in this district.”

Trustee Heather Maahs had a much different take on the meme.

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“I remain concerned that sentiments such as steam rolling, running over those with traditional Christian/religious values, are considered humourous by school trustees who are obliged to take inclusivity seriously,” Maahs said in a statement.

One SD33 trustee reportedly responded to Westerby’s meme by posting a laughing emoji.

Westerby’s social media post appears to run contrary to expectations of the Chilliwack Board of Education.

According to Chilliwack School District Policy 130 governing trustee conduct, “Trustees will conduct themselves in an appropriate, professional and respectful manner when carrying out their duties. Trustees will act with decorum and be respectful of other trustees, staff, students, partner groups and the public at all times. Trustees will carry out their duties faithfully, diligently and in a manner that will inspire public confidence in the ability and integrity of the Board.”

Westerby could not be reached for comment. An auto-generated response received by Fraser Today says Westerby was not available until August 8.

Image: Teri Westerby

In the meantime, Reichelt says SD33 embraces students of all religious faiths, and those with no faith.

“The Chilliwack School District embraces families of all religious faiths (and no faith) and recognizes that different families have different values. We strive to create learning spaces where people of all different backgrounds can come together and treat each other with respect,” Reichelt said in her written statement.