CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.-The North Island Pride Society says Culture Guard is spreading misinformation about SOGI 123.
The group recently hosted a discussion in Campbell River about the controversial school policy. SOGI stands for sexual orientations and gender identities. Culture Guard’s event featured two speakers discussing what they believe are the damaging effects the policy has on children. Sheldon Falk, the director of the North Island Pride Society, says it’s actually about inclusivity:
Falk added he believes SOGI ensures the “Canadian values of respect and tolerance are practiced in the classroom,” and that those values are “always age-appropriate.” Falk says no one from the society’s board went to the discussion, as they did not want to “legitimize a fringe group,” and that it prefers to deal with the District 72 School Board directly.
Falk did say, however, that he believes the discussion’s low turnout, roughly 75 people in a room set up for 300, shows that Culture Guard’s values aren’t shared by the community of Campbell River. Members of the North Island Pride Society are planning on attending the next school board meeting to show their support for SOGI. Falk says this was planned before Culture Guard’s event:
The North Island Pride Society is encouraging all parents who support SOGI to attend the meeting as well. It’s happening on Tuesday, May 8th at 425 Pinecrest Road at 7:30pm.
