Lara Yates v. Chatelech Secondary School (BC School District 46)

Introduction

Lara Yates, a mother and everyday advocate of free expression in British Columbia, has long challenged the practice of land acknowledgements in local schools. She regards these acknowledgements as a form of compelled political speech and has attempted, unsuccessfully, to engage with school staff on this matter.

The Incident

On December 4, 2025, during an evening drama class presentation, Lara voiced her opposition to the opening land acknowledgement ritual by calling out, “save us your race-baiting” and similar remarks. Following this brief assertion, she remained seated and quiet for the remainder of the performance.

Aftermath

Later that night, the drama teacher identified to students backstage the parent responsible for the disruption. Lara’s daughter was then bullied and mocked by her peers, resulting in fear and distress.

The principal responded by calling in a counsellor to assess the situation and reported the incident to the Ministry of Child and Family Development. The Ministry subsequently interviewed Lara’s children and closed the case, finding no issues of concern.

The next day, Lara received a letter from the principal banning her from attending her children’s school until at least January 31. Due to concerns about bullying and staff behaviour toward her daughter, Lara decided to keep both of her minor children away from the school and contacted the FSUC, of which she is a member, for assistance.

FSUC’s Response and Actions

The FSUC is a mass-membership, not-for-profit organization dedicated to defending free speech in Canada. It is providing funding for Lara’s legal representation by FSUC’s Executive Director, Lisa Bildy, through her law firm, Libertas Law.

Ms. Bildy sent a letter to Superintendent Kerr on January 13, 2026 advising her that the drama teacher and principal’s actions were reprehensible and intentionally threatening in the face of political dissent, and that the decision to ban Lara from the school over her expression was improper, contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and subject to appeal. As of the time of this post, no response has been received.

FSUC’s Ongoing Work with Public School Boards

The FSUC has helped other parents in this situation:

On June 24, 2025, the FSUC sent a letter of concern on behalf of a parent to the Toronto District School Board after he was instructed to remove a post critical of his child’s school principal.

On June 26, 2025, the FSUC expressed concern to the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board after a parent was censured for opposing land acknowledgements at a school council meeting.

And, in September 2025, FSUC sent a letter of concern to the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School Board after a parent was banned from school property due to a gender critical Facebook post. Following FSUC’s intervention, the ban was lifted.

The FSUC will continue to monitor increasing attempts by public schools to punish parents for their speech and will intervene where appropriate.

To support our work and defend Lara’s right to express her opposition to land acknowledgments, please donate today!