Press Release

May 9, 2006

Censorship Continues at Surrey School Board

B.C. Board rejects same-sex book that’s accepted elsewhere

Ottawa—A fairy-tale book about two princes who marry has been rejected for use with kindergarten to Grade 3 students by a committee of the Surrey School Board.

The book is titled King and King and was written by Linda de Hann. It is described by its publisher, Tricycle Press, as a “Children’s Picture Book”. King and King tells the story of a young prince who is encouraged by his mother to marry, but who is not thrilled with any of the princesses he meets. One day he becomes very excited when a princess is escorted to the castle by her brother, a prince.

The school board committee claims the book is too sophisticated for students of this age. However, King and King is used by teachers in these grades in many schools across Canada. It’s even been taught to Grade 2 students in Boston.

“The idea that this book is too sophisticated for these kids is ridiculous,” said Joan Beecroft, an Ontario teacher who is C0-Chair of Egale’s Education Committee. “Is Hansel and Gretel too sophisticated because it deals with a witch wanting to eat little children? Is Snow White too sophisticated because the Queen attempts to murder Snow White? How can the love of two princes be too sophisticated for primary learners?”

“In most school boards, teachers can simply read to the class any book they believe is appropriate to the curriculum,” added Ms. Beecroft. “Teachers use their professional judgment in choosing which books they use for instructional purposes. Unfortunately, in Surrey they have erected institutional barriers to teaching kids about diverse family forms.”

“The Surrey School Board is failing miserably in providing a safe school environment for all its students,” said Laurie Arron, Egale’s Director of Advocacy. “Censorship like this sends the wrong message—that being gay is shameful and should be hidden. This kind of censorship only worsens the problems of intolerance and hatred.”

“Courts have accepted that homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools is a problem that school boards must address, not ignore,” said Gilles Marchildon, Executive Director of Egale. “If school boards do not make sufficient attempts to provide preventative anti-homophobia education for students, teachers, and support staff, they could face costly lawsuits. Egale is committed to ensuring such hostile school environments are addressed by school boards across the country.”

Egale Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified (LGBT) people, and their families, across Canada. Founded in 1986, Egale’s work includes political action, legal interventions and public education and awareness.

For more info:
Laurie Arron: (cell) 416.839.7178
Gilles Marchildon: (office) 613.230.1043; (cell) 613.864.1133
Joan Beecroft

Egale Canada ©2010

Advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada