The Editor,
Re. “China has no influence on Coquitlam schools, say trustees, as they double down on Confucius Inst.” (Tri-City News, Oct. 14); “Doubts linger about Coquitlam district trustees’ handling of Confucius Institute,” (Tri-City News, Oct. 24)
Thank you for Diane Strandberg’s recent article on the relationship between SD 43 and the Confucius Institute, recently rebranded by the district as the Chinese Language and Culture Institute.
It was fascinating to hear how members of our school board have reacted.
Some trustees are concerned that the Coquitlam program is suffering from “poor optics,” as well they should be, considering the growing number of institutions that have shed these relationships already and the criticism the board has been under for some time. The board has been defending the program, while eagerly accepting free trips to China on many occasions.
Board Chair Palmer Isaak said “subjecting the program to review smacks of anti-Chinese messaging.” Since when is a review an exercise in racism? Might I also suggest that the Chinese Canadian community in Coquitlam is not a homogeneous group and perhaps not all support the arrangement the board has entered into?
Palmer Isaak also suggests that parents know best (about enrolling their children in the program), though I would argue that most parents are counting on their elected school board members to do their homework and provide the necessary vetting on behalf of parents. That is their job. When the veracity of a program is in question, it behooves our board to take heed.
Trustee Thomas suggests that most criticism is from outside the district. Perhaps because the board itself can’t perceive of any conflict of interest? Or perhaps the community is tired of hitting a brick wall. It seems the board or the superintendent is so invested in the program they have difficulty looking at it with a clear lens.
Some trustees are concerned that “a review would hurt the district’s successful education program.” One has to conclude that the real concern is financial.
Superintendent Patricia Gartland, who has a longstanding relationship with the Confucius Institute and the foreign student program, states the relationship is now “non-governmental.” Is anything in China without government influence? I can’t believe the Superintendent is naïve, so I must conclude that the financial aspects of this relationship trump any other consideration. The program has very laudable intent — but the ends do not justify the means.
In conclusion, I have to say I’m embarrassed by our local TriCities school board. I expect better.
Teresa MacLeod, Coquitlam
