In response to the BC Views column written by Tom Fletcher (‘Social justice’ as student indoctrination, Progress, Oct. 17), I am the parent of a Grade 12 student at CSS who took the Social Justice 12 course last year. My daughter was also the recipient of the Excellence in Social Justice award last year for her efforts and contributions to that course. Some of the things she learned about included worldwide human trafficking, inequality in the workplace, “whistleblowing”, honor killings, the abuse of women in our own community as well as worldwide, fate of the disabled in society including the limbo that disabled young adults face in BC, stoning of women in other countries because of archaic laws, poverty in our society, etc. Several interesting local speakers came to the class to teach the students about issues that are relevant to all of them in today’s society. Part of the class curriculum asked each student to participate in a service project in the community. Taking this course helped my daughter become a better global citizen, better able to appreciate what is going on in her world locally as well as internationally.
This course was offered every two years and she waited until it was offered to take it. The course proved so popular last year that several are being offered this year. Must also have to do with the enthusiastic and entertaining teacher, Mr. Bogonavic. Mr. Fletcher’s comment about how the school system is producing students who are lacking in employment skills and “bursting with demands for government-imposed wealth redistribution” because of Social Justice certainly does not reflect the objectives of the course my daughter attended at CSS last year. The students who take this class come out of it knowledgeable, enthusiastic and caring students who certainly are going to be marketable and of interest to employers. Employers find participation in community service groups and interest in helping those less fortunate as positives on a resume, not negatives. Here’s to hoping the school board does not change the curriculum or remove these type of courses that only help our young people to become better human beings. Something we all can learn from.
Andrea Dunphy
Chilliwack