We are concerned students of Brentwood Secondary College, at the Member for Forest Hill, Neil Angus coming to our school. Mr Angus espouses anti LGBT and anti-vax views completely in contrast with our school values. And he does so in a way which is harmful and dangerous, and therefore we ask that he no longer be welcome at Brentwood. This is not about politics, simply values.

He has consistently expressed hurtful views about the LGBT community. His views around Gay Conversion Therapy are harmful, and go against Brentwood school values of respect, tolerance, diversity, and acceptance. We have at our school students, teachers, parents, and broader community members who are part of the LGBT community. So to have someone who believes that they should be ‘converted’ through ‘therapy’ is outrageous, and we do not feel comfortable with Mr Angus coming to our school. Both members of the LGBT community who are already marginalised, or supporters of diversity, rightfully feel attacked and threatened by his presence.

 Furthermore, he has expressed anti-science stances, amounting to dangerous falsehoods. His constant promotion of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine link in with anti-vaccine sentiment. Such anti-science and anti-intellect positions simply cannot be accepted. We have already had to endure so much through the difficult years of Covid. And to have someone who spreads unsubstantiated conspiracy theories is frankly insulting. Additionally, his use of divisive language must be condemned. At Brentwood we pride ourselves on our multiculturalism and our diversity, as does our broader community as a whole. He has however used terms such as ‘apartheid,’ outrageously offensive to those who have experienced such segregation, and racism as a whole.

Mr Angus and his anti-vax and anti-LGBT views conflict the views and values of Brentwood Secondary College. Our school can either say nice things or take action to ensure a safe environment for all. And we do understand that the school does not endorse Mr Angus’ views, and we do appreciate his commitment of funding upgrades to the facilities. However, some things are more important than money, because values are the moral principles that should guide all of us.

We thank you for your support,

Concerned Students of Brentwood Secondary College