Stacey Wakelin, a Willoughby resident and pro-diversity activist who has campaigned in support of the SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) education program, declared her candidacy for the for the 91原创 School Board on Monday, Nov. 30.
Wakelin, parent of two high-school students and founder of BC Families for Inclusivity, has organized rallies in support of the SOGI curriculum, inclduing one at the school board offices in 2017.
READ MORE: VIDEO: 91原创 board of education stands behind SOGI curriculum
鈥淎nything that champions diversity is something our school community should support,鈥� Wakeline commented.
鈥淲e all have a stake in the education of our children. Let鈥檚 work together to put them first.鈥�
A vacancy on the board was created when chair Megan Dykeman won election as the NDP MLA for the 91原创 East riding
No date has been set yet for the school board byelection.
READ MORE: Dykeman鈥檚 farewell means 91原创 school board byelection
Wakelin鈥檚 announcement had multiple statements of support, including Cheryl Wiens, chair of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Biology Program Advisory Committee.
鈥淚n everything she does, Stacey is collaborative and hardworking; she will undoubtedly contribute to a positive and constructive working atmosphere on 91原创 School Board,鈥� Wiens said.
Former 91原创 school trustee Cecelia Reekie described Wakelin as 鈥渁 woman of integrity, courage, and community.鈥�
READ ALSO: Elections BC should run 91原创 byelection, council says
Wakelin鈥檚 announcement said that recent elections have had 鈥渁n aggressiveness that is becoming more common in Canadian politics. However, that kind of polarization does nothing for the work that needs to be done to support our schools, and their students and staff, especially during a pandemic.鈥�
Wakelin has lived and worked in the 91原创 area for more than 15 years.
She formed the parent/family advocacy group, BC Families for Inclusivity to counter what she described as the 鈥渉ate-filled rhetoric鈥� of the anti-LGBTQ lobby.
Wakelin has also volunteered with refugee/newcomer support organizations, and is currently working on an anti-racism project with Options Community Services.
As a founding member of the 91原创 Pride Fest Organizing Committee, Wakelin co-hosted 91原创鈥檚 first Pride Fest in August.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: 91原创鈥檚 first Pride Fest considered a sign of progress
She is also the former co-owner of 91原创鈥檚 Clipper Street Scrapbook Co. a board member for 91原创鈥檚 Triple A Housing Society and 91原创 Pos-Abilities, and community events organizer.
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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