Richmond parents are divided by a recent decision by the Board of Education to begin drafting a school district policy to better address special circumstances regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Colleen Howu and Flora Wen, spokespersons for the group Parents Care, say parents should have a say over their children’s education when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Parents Care also contends the Richmond School District failed to adequately consult with parents in deciding to recommend the implementation of such a policy to the board.

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Parents Care argues that a separate SOGI policy is “discriminatory” and unfair to other minority groups — citing autistic kids and victims of cyberbullying.

“We aren’t against anyone. We just want everyone to be treated equally. Everyone should be under one umbrella, and not separate,” said Wen.

Another concern raised is protection of “family values,” said Wen, and the apparent need for more scientific evidence on SOGI, said Howu.

“I think we need more scientific evidence. I know some people claim they are born gay but then some people, they choose. So, I think there are two different sayings; so we need more scientific evidence on that,” said Howu.

Both say they are accepting of anyone who makes such a choice. And, if it is a choice, a SOGI policy could potentially convert otherwise heterosexual students, said Howu.

Wen claims her group’s anti-SOGI policy petition had significant support. However, the local reach of the 6,000-signature petition was called into question by board chair Debbie Tablotney, who noted many signatures were garnered online. Wen maintains outside support was minimal.

Regardless, trustees Jonathan Ho and Alice Wong voted against forming a SOGI policy.

“If you have one policy to cover all, this will be peaceful,” said Wong.

However, the Richmond District Parents Association supports the creation of a separate SOGI policy.

“There is a need for more resources to be made available and more education on the subject in our district,” stated president Dionne McFie, via email.

Teacher and Steveston-London secondary Rainbow Club organizer Lisa Descary said, “there’s a lot of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge” about what a policy will achieve.

Trustee Sandra Nixon said the policy will aim to better educate everyone (staff and students) in light of the special circumstances surrounding LGBT people, as noted by Western pediatricians.