Surrey North MLA Mandeep Dhaliwal introduces a bill for transparent review of B.C. school resourcesto ensure age-appropriate education for students.
Surrey MLA Introduces Bill for School Resource Review
Surrey North MLA Mandeep Dhaliwal, representing the BC Conservative Party, has introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring all educational materials in British Columbia schools are “age-appropriate.” The bill, called the Parental Transparency and Age-Appropriate Education Act, was announced in a press release on Monday, June 2, and seeks to address growing parental concerns about transparency in education.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The proposed act would require a comprehensive review of all books, films, pamphlets, and other resources used in B.C. schools. Dhaliwal stated, “This legislation empowers families, ensuring they are informed and involved in their children’s education. Our goal is simple: clarity and accountability.” The bill outlines the creation of an independent committee and a mandatory public review process, after which educational resources would be labelled by the age group they are deemed suitable for.
Community Response and Context
The announcement follows years of advocacy and protest from parents and community members, particularly regarding the use of SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) 123 materials in schools. While much of the public debate has centered on books available in school libraries, Dhaliwal’s press release does not specifically mention SOGI resources. When asked, Conservative representative Ryan Painter declined to specify which materials are targeted but emphasized that parents should be treated as partners in education.
Current Policies and School Board Perspective
Most school districts in B.C., including Surrey, already have policies for selecting and reviewing learning resources. According to Surrey Teachers’ Association president Lizanne Foster, resources are evaluated for age and developmental appropriateness by district-appointed teachers. The process also considers curriculum alignment, literary quality, and social factors through an equity lens. Parents currently have the option to formally challenge any learning materials they find objectionable.
Implementation and Oversight
If passed, Dhaliwal’s bill would establish an independent committee to oversee the review and labelling of educational resources. The act would also require the government to fulfill its promise—made during the spring legislative session—to review school materials. Dhaliwal, who recently unseated former education minister Rachna Singh, stressed that “transparency is the cornerstone of trust and foundational to quality education.”
Next Steps and Public Involvement
Dhaliwal is encouraging parents and supporters to sign an online petition backing the bill. The legislation is positioned as a measure to support parents and ensure their right to know what their children are learning in school. As the bill moves forward, it is expected to spark further discussion about the balance between parental involvement, educational inclusivity, and professional oversight in B.C.’s schools.
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