Image: Renee Fennell / Chilliwack RCMP talk to a man in a costume during a protest and counter-protest outside the Chilliwack School District office on Tuesday, October 10. According to video taken by Renee Fennell, this same individual dressed in the costume hurled multiple expletives at opponents on Tuesday, October 10. The Chilliwack School District plans to hold its November school board meeting in a virtual online setting, citing safety concerns.
Chilliwack Board of Education

Next Chilliwack school board meeting will be virtual due to safety concerns

Oct 23, 2023 | 7:56 PM

CHILLIWACK — Following a rowdy protest between pro-SOGI and anti-SOGI individuals earlier this month that turned ugly at times outside the district office, the next Chilliwack school board meeting will be virtual, SD33 announced.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, trustees and members of the public attending our Board meeting is of the utmost importance,” SD33 wrote in a message from Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam posted to the school district website. “Due to the disruption that occurred during the Public Board meeting on October 10, and in consideration of the potential ongoing protests at various School Boards, the November Board meeting will be held online.”

The school district says it will take further action about reinstating in-person meetings once it sees how the November meeting goes in a virtual setting.

“We will reevaluate the situation and make a decision about the meeting format after November,” the statement from Superintendent Arul-pragasam stated. “The health, safety, and well-being of everyone accessing district sites remain our highest priority.”

Multiple RCMP officers attended the rambunctious rally over a roughly two-hour span to maintain the peace. Griffin Security was also utilized to keep protesters from approaching the SD33 office on Tuesday, October 10 while trustees convened inside the district office.

Image: Renee Fennell video / Multiple RCMP officers were present during a protest and counter-protest on Tuesday, October 10.

Two former candidates for Chilliwack school board participated on the pro-SOGI side, including one who appeared in a supermarket-style uniform to support inclusivity through sexual orientation and gender identity resources.

Image: Renee Fennell / Protesters speak in support of inclusivity policies on Tuesday, October 10 outside the Chilliwack School District office on Airport Road.

The pro-SOGI contingent featured several messages about love and kindness while showcasing colourful LGBTQ+ flags.

The B.C. government defines SOGI 123 as a resource that supports educators in addressing these topics in the provincial curriculum. It helps schools create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all students regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, according to a description on the B.C. government website.

On the opposing side, several men held signs urging school personnel to leave their children alone and end the sexualization of children, while chanting “Stop SOGI 123” repeatedly. Both sides utilized loudspeakers to broadcast their message. Former trustee Barry Neufeld stood along Airport Road with an A-frame containing messages on the front and back during the rally.

Image: Renee Fennell / Parents opposing SOGI 123 policies hold signs outside the Chilliwack School District office on Tuesday, October 10.

According to a video from Renee Fennell that was shared with Fraser Valley Today, a man dressed as an ancient character, donning a tunic and a beard, spewed multiple expletives at anti-SOGI protesters.