In the 2023–2024 school year, Nanaimo resident Bryony Dixon welcomed an international student into her home through the Board of Education of School District No. 68’s homestay program. The placement was successful, and there were no concerns about her participation.
When Ms. Dixon later applied to host another student, however, the District did not approve her application. Seeking an explanation, she filed a Freedom of Information request, which revealed internal emails showing that District officials had discussed her publicly expressed political views when deciding to exclude her from the program.
A long-time advocate for sex-based rights, Ms. Dixon had spoken publicly about British Columbia’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum and encouraged public discussion about its impact in schools.
Human rights complaint alleged discrimination based on political beliefs
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre filed a complaint with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal on behalf of Ms. Dixon, arguing that the Board discriminated against her by excluding her from the homestay program because of her publicly expressed political beliefs.
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 later considered whether to accept the complaint for a hearing.