Editor:
Re: Dance lessons for New Westminster’s long-standing May Day will happen after school, Record, March 14
May Day has always felt inconsistent from, and actually in conflict with, the inclusive and supportive community we joined a couple of years ago. I understand that families who settled here and started this celebration feel very invested in preserving it.
However, New West is no longer the same place it was 150 years ago. The New West I have been invited into and embraced by is progressive and rich in diversity.
As far as the recent changes announced, I applaud the division for taking this direction. In a time of reconciliation, our students should not be forced to participate in a celebration of colonialism. Nor should our educators be reinforcing traditional gender identities and roles. May Day is not inclusive or representative of our community and, as such, voluntary participation that does not take away from instructional time is the only reasonable solution.
Cheryl Sluis, New Westminster
