Image: SD34 / The Abbotsford Board of Education has censured trustees Jared White and Mike Rauch (back right two trustees) for misconduct.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Trustee misconduct

Abbotsford school board censures 2 trustees for social media post involving gender identity

Mar 10, 2025 | 1:42 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Board of Education has officially reprimanded two of its elected board members for breaching its trustee code of ethics.

In a statement, the board found that Jared White’s social media post dated February 5, 2025, in regards to gender identity violated the district’s trustee code of ethics and contravened the district’s efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all staff, students and school community members.

Jared White wrote the following on February 5, 2025: “No more biological males in women’s/girls sports. No more biological males in women’s/girls bathrooms and locker rooms. No more teaching vulnerable children that they can be both genders or neither. Enough. Common sense is making a come back and it’s about time.” That was the same day U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning biological males from participating in women’s sports.

His post had not been removed as of Monday afternoon, Mar. 10. His comment generated 57 likes, 36 angry emojis, 23 heart emojis, and a smaller amount of sad or laughing emoji responses in the single digits. His post provoked 323 comments.

Following a formal process, Trustee Mike Rauch breached the trustee code for liking White’s Facebook post and for his own comment in reply to the post.

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Pursuant to Policy 6, both trustees have been asked to apologize and reaffirm their support and commitment for equal opportunities for all students, including those who self-identity with diverse gender identities.

SD34 says both trustees have been removed from ancillary public-facing roles on committees, working groups, and at school and district events. These committees and appointments include, but are not limited to:

-Abbotsford Community Foundation
-Abbotsford Youth Commission
-District Planning Team
-Education Committee
-Indigenous Education Advisory Committee
-School Liaison program/assignments

SD34 says both trustees can still participate as trustees in formal meetings of the board and may continue to carry out their core governance roles. These temporary penalties will be reviewed at a future date.

The Abbotsford Board of Education and Abbotsford School District say they support a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students, staff, and families.