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Board motion calling for Neufeld’s resignation ‘unethical,’ says trustee

Chilliwack Trustee Heather Maahs says the vote sets a dangerous precedent.

The Chilliwack Board of Education’s motion, of January 18th, 2018, asking for Trustee Barry Neufeld’s resignation was 4-2, with one trustee absent on medical leave. It was not unanimous. I was opposed to the motion with Trustee Neufeld. In my opinion this motion was highly unethical. Our Trustee Code of Ethics states, “Make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the Board meetings, about other members of the Board or their opinions.”

Discussion and disagreement is the nature of politics and why we have debate. It’s one thing to disagree and debate with colleagues, it is another thing entirely to tell them they must resign because of any disagreement.

I have previously stated my concerns with SOGI 123 because of the infringement on parental authority and the lack of evidence based research demonstrating its effectiveness in the classroom. This has become a confrontational issue where it is now acceptable to put aside rules of conduct and civility in order to shut down conversation and debate in an attempt to push people out of office. This is a dangerous precedent which sets a very slippery slope deciding which rules and policies will be set aside next.

Mrs. Heather Maahs

Trustee

Board of Education

Chilliwack