Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 Source: Terrace Standard (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 Terrace Standard Contact: http://www.terracestandard.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1329 Author: Gail Murray RCMP COMMENT WAS OUTRAGEOUS Dear Sir: After attending the Coast Mountains School Board meeting June 4 I came home absolutely appalled. During the discussion on Project DARE, anti-drug program proposed for the school district, the RCMP Corporal who trains all of the RCMP officers who deliver the program was asked why some students opt out of the classes. The only reason she could offer was that it was likely due to the fact that their parents are drug users themselves. I believe there could be a number of other reasons that parents or students would choose to opt out of this program. How about the parents who want to do their own moral and ethical teaching from home? How about the parents who don't want their children introduced to drugs? How about the parents who want more of their child's school time spent on learning to read and write? How about the students who feel they would be uncomfortable in such a class? The list goes on and on. Some years ago my own daughter opted out of a Grade Ten sex education class. Her reason? She felt she would rather use the time to get her homework for that day done. My reason? I felt that the issue was being dealt with at home and that it was important that it be discussed in a particular manner. If I insert the thinking of the R.C.M.P. Corporal at the June 4 meeting into my personal situation would she have thought I was a sexual abuser? I often hear comments about how parents have to take more responsibility for their children's upbringing and I wonder how many parents will feel comfortable having their children opt out of DARE or other similar programs when they know there will be a cloud of suspicion hanging over them. One of the aims of DARE is to enhance the image of the RCMP. Perhaps they could assist that enhancement by not making such outrageous statements. Gail Murray Terrace B.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth