Student urges HSD to talk sexual orientation

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This article was published 03/05/2016 (2913 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Steinbach high school student received a standing ovation from close to 70 supporters at a Hanover School Division board meeting Tuesday after she called on the division to begin discussing homosexuality in its classrooms.

Grade 12 student Mika Schellenberg was greeted one-by-one as the audience filed out, embraced by friends and strangers alike, after she resumed the effort started by parent Michelle McHale that asked HSD to revise its policy that treats homosexuality as a “sensitive concern” that cannot be talked about by teachers until high school. She said she chose to speak out to provide a student’s perspective.

More people attended Tuesday’s board meeting than any in recent memory, including those held during the contentious Bill 18 debate of 2013.

“Teachers who follow every one of your guidelines unintentionally victimize those of us who are part of the LGBTQ community,” the openly gay 17-year-old told the board, who argued a student questioning their sexuality may decide to further hide their struggles if they cannot find acceptance.

“If you are a ‘student-centered school division,’ you should be able to step out of your comfort zones and help the students who are struggling, no matter what you may believe.”

A handful of family and friends were in the crowd last month for McHale’s presentation, including Schellenberg, but on Tuesday dozens crammed the boardroom. Among them, students, alumni, church leaders and members of Steinbach Neighbours for Community, the group that invited a theatrical play to the city last year meant to encourage a greater understanding between the LGBTQ community and the church.

Schellenberg asked the board to reconsider McHale’s request that the Steinbach-based school division pass a diversity policy comparable to the Winnipeg School Division’s, which ensures curriculum and instruction demonstrate an acceptance of students from all backgrounds, including sexual orientation.

McHale’s proposal was ultimately rebuffed two weeks later during a board meeting. Board chair Ron Falk told The Carillon at the time HSD’s diversity policy, passed in response to Bill 18, is excellent, but the board doesn’t support changing what is taught in classrooms when their teachings already adhere to provincial curriculum. “Once we start changing curriculum outcomes to suit various people than we start running into all kinds of trouble,” he said.

According to internal guidelines, HSD staff is asked to respond to students’ questions about sexual orientation outside class time.

Schellenberg said LGBTQ issues are best broached in a safe classroom environment because many parents are not equipped to understand such concerns.

She also denounced the divisional rule that a parent or guardian must be informed when their child poses questions about sexual orientation.

“Outing someone before they’re ready, especially to people so close as family, is degrading and not something that should ever happen,” she said.

In an interview afterwards, Schellenberg said she does not anticipate the board will alter its decision but said she is appreciative she was asked a question.

Trustee Rick Peters wondered if there is an age when the school division, which encourages communication with parents, should tell parents if their child has questions about sexual orientation. Schellenberg replied the division should never have that conversation with a parent. “This is part of who they are,” she said of questioning students, “and if they’re figuring it out, they should have the freedom to do that.”

Two trustees, Ruby Wiens and Cyndy Friesen, tried to hold back tears as they commended Schellenberg.

Wiens said she was touched by the support Schellenberg had in the room.

“We have talked about this a lot, and our sincere desire is that our welcome sign to you becomes much bigger,” she said. “We are going to work on that.”

“I’m very saddened that you have to put yourself in this position to tell us,” added Friesen.

Division superintendent Randy Dueck applauded Schellenberg for demonstrating the critical thinking skills HSD schools tries to impart.

Schellenberg told media that because she is lesbian the battle for acceptance is close to her heart. It took her awhile to come to grips with her sexuality, she admits. By Grade 11 she came out to her family, who has come to accept her the way she is, like she has. “You can be religious, you can be Christian and still be gay,” she said.

Mika’s mother, Cathy, said as a Christian herself she understands where those who are critical may come from but she wishes that kindness and compassion would win out.

“I still wish that love was the first thing that Christians and faith-based organizations showed.”