As a longstanding member of Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), I am one of many professionals that take professional development on-line courses. EGBC mandates the learning module on equity, diversity, and inclusion. This course is a model for ideology over science, and frankly is a disgrace to the institution and the engineering and geoscientist professions in British Columbia..The module uses highly controversial and tendentious material that reflects extreme fringe ideologies and is designed to cut short a Canada-wide societal discussion. Engineers and geoscientists are asked to consult the Black Lives Matters (BLM) website for information on racism. BLM is known for its Marxist tendencies and its anti-white racism. That EGBC would refer members to an organization that is frequently linked to violent demonstrations and the destruction of public and private property and that repeatedly calls for defunding the police is an insult to the intelligence of its members, and an attempt to lead them against their own convictions and consciences..The module is contradictory and illogical, first recommending a merit-based approach to selecting job candidates, yet also referring to quota systems that would give preference to candidates of certain minority groups. Is EGBC saying that professional qualifications in BC are worth less if someone is not part of a targeted minority? How is that not discriminatory and unethical? Another contradiction is the module’s attack against those who believe that “all lives matter”. This position is denigrated as a “micro-invalidation” that questions the lived experience of blacks in Canada. Yet, those whose lived experience indicates that we should not give preference to people based on race (which is a form of racism) are invalidated in this learning module..The highly controversial concept of intersectionality is taught as fact, without providing any critical discussion. The concept is based on the Marxist class struggle and serves to polarize society and create a “victim class” that can only be helped by discriminating against the groups said to hold privileges. No discussion or data is provided to shed light on the questions surrounding the concept, again unworthy of a learning tool offered to engineers and geoscientists..If the same ideologically driven approach were applied to technical learning modules, the B.C. public would no longer be safe – against the core mandate of EGBC. Switching ideology for science, and politically correct declarations of “fact” for a balanced discussion and presentation of controversies and uncertainties is unworthy of a professional association. EGBC has done a great disservice to its members and the public. The module needs to be removed and whoever approved of it should be relieved of their responsibilities..Martin Tampier, .Terrebonne, QC
As a longstanding member of Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), I am one of many professionals that take professional development on-line courses. EGBC mandates the learning module on equity, diversity, and inclusion. This course is a model for ideology over science, and frankly is a disgrace to the institution and the engineering and geoscientist professions in British Columbia..The module uses highly controversial and tendentious material that reflects extreme fringe ideologies and is designed to cut short a Canada-wide societal discussion. Engineers and geoscientists are asked to consult the Black Lives Matters (BLM) website for information on racism. BLM is known for its Marxist tendencies and its anti-white racism. That EGBC would refer members to an organization that is frequently linked to violent demonstrations and the destruction of public and private property and that repeatedly calls for defunding the police is an insult to the intelligence of its members, and an attempt to lead them against their own convictions and consciences..The module is contradictory and illogical, first recommending a merit-based approach to selecting job candidates, yet also referring to quota systems that would give preference to candidates of certain minority groups. Is EGBC saying that professional qualifications in BC are worth less if someone is not part of a targeted minority? How is that not discriminatory and unethical? Another contradiction is the module’s attack against those who believe that “all lives matter”. This position is denigrated as a “micro-invalidation” that questions the lived experience of blacks in Canada. Yet, those whose lived experience indicates that we should not give preference to people based on race (which is a form of racism) are invalidated in this learning module..The highly controversial concept of intersectionality is taught as fact, without providing any critical discussion. The concept is based on the Marxist class struggle and serves to polarize society and create a “victim class” that can only be helped by discriminating against the groups said to hold privileges. No discussion or data is provided to shed light on the questions surrounding the concept, again unworthy of a learning tool offered to engineers and geoscientists..If the same ideologically driven approach were applied to technical learning modules, the B.C. public would no longer be safe – against the core mandate of EGBC. Switching ideology for science, and politically correct declarations of “fact” for a balanced discussion and presentation of controversies and uncertainties is unworthy of a professional association. EGBC has done a great disservice to its members and the public. The module needs to be removed and whoever approved of it should be relieved of their responsibilities..Martin Tampier, .Terrebonne, QC