Former Trustee Barry Neufeld Ordered to Pay $750,000 for Hate Speech

Former Chilliwack school trustee Barry Neufeld has been ordered to pay $750,000 by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal for violating the Canadian Human Rights Code through public remarks that exposed members of the LGBTQ community to hatred or contempt. The tribunal issued its final decision on February 18, 2026, following years of deliberation over the case initiated by the Chilliwack Teachers’ Association (CTA).

The tribunal’s ruling included two cost orders: the substantial payment of $750,000 to the CTA and an additional $10,000 for improper conduct throughout the lengthy proceedings. The verdict concluded that Neufeld contravened sections 7(1)(a), (b), and 13 of the Human Rights Code regarding his public speech, which was determined to be harmful to the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in the context of the SOGI 123 resources aimed at fostering inclusivity in schools.

Tribunal Findings on Hate Speech

In its decision, the tribunal described Neufeld’s public discourse as “heated,” noting that six of his publications could provoke hatred or contempt against transgender, gay, and lesbian individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. The tribunal stated, “Viewed objectively and in context, these publications have the potential to lead to their discriminatory treatment.”

The CTA, supported by the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), filed the human rights complaint against Neufeld during his tenure as a school trustee, citing his repeated public statements that discriminated against 2SLGBTQIA+ teachers. CTA President Reid Clark emphasized the ruling’s significance for creating safe and inclusive environments, stating, “This ruling recognizes the very real harm experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ teachers in Chilliwack and reinforces that they have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination and fear.”

The tribunal found that Neufeld’s actions over five years included spreading misinformation and inflaming anti-LGBTQ sentiments within the community. The decision highlighted that school trustees play a critical role in fostering positive school environments and enforcing anti-discrimination policies. Instead, Neufeld’s public posts were characterized as efforts to “demonize and delegitimize” trans people.

Impact of SOGI 123 Resources

The SOGI 123 initiative, introduced during the 2017-2018 school year, aims to provide educational tools that support inclusivity for all students. It offers resources for schools to acknowledge the existence of diverse family structures and gender identities, with teachers empowered to determine age-appropriate information for their classrooms. The BCTF clarified that SOGI 123 is not a mandatory curriculum but serves as a resource to promote inclusivity.

The tribunal reviewed 30 publications by Neufeld, concluding that he repeatedly attacked the foundational principles of SOGI-inclusive education. The findings stated, “In doing so, he publicly reaffirmed his intention to perform the duties of a school trustee in a way that discriminated against LGBTQ people, especially trans people.”

Neufeld’s rhetoric included claims that SOGI 123 was a “weapon of propaganda” aimed at undermining traditional family values. The tribunal emphasized that such language fosters environments conducive to discrimination and hatred, affirming the existence and rights of trans individuals.

The CTA’s response to the tribunal’s decision described it as a “huge win” for human rights in public education. Carole Gordon, President of the CTF, remarked, “Today’s decision affirms that discriminatory and hateful rhetoric has no place in our public education system – especially from someone in a leadership position.”

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in educational settings, and reinforces the necessity for inclusive policies that protect the dignity and rights of all students and educators.