Parent barred from homestay program for political views
A Nanaimo woman has filed a complaint with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal after being excluded from a local school district’s homestay program due to her political beliefs. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms has filed the complaint on behalf of Bryony Dixon, arguing that the Board of Education of School District No. 68 discriminated against her for her publicly expressed views on the province’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum.
Ms. Dixon had previously hosted an international student during the 2023–2024 school year without issue. But when she applied to host another student, the District ignored her application. A Freedom of Information request later revealed internal emails in which District officials cited Ms. Dixon’s political activities as the reason for her exclusion. A long-time advocate for sex-based rights, Ms. Dixon has spoken publicly to encourage discussion on the implications of SOGI policies in schools.
Free speech and fairness in public education
Constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir said, “Public schools should not be picking sides on political issues and excluding those who disagree. They exist to serve the whole public.”
“Decisions like this one – which was conducted in secret – put a chilling effect on parents against engaging in political discussions,” he added.
The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal will now determine whether to accept the complaint for hearing.