Vancouver students will not be able to choose honours programs beginning this fall.

According to the Vancouver Student Board, honours programs create inequities between students. A spokesperson of the school board stated that they are aiming for a more inclusive model of education in Vancouver schools and also mentioned that this new policy will help all students fully engage in the school curriculum.

Honours English has already been eliminated by the school board and honours math and science will be cut soon.

Widespread backlash from both students and parents
This decision has recently been very unpopular by Vancouver students and has sparked criticism from many parents.

Some parents have stated that the new policy by the school board rather enhances inequity within schools, as students will lose out on opportunities and teachers will not be able to sufficiently foster each student's academic potential.

The VSB will still allow mini–schools and Advanced Placement courses to be provided in Vancouver schools. The board stated that these options will remain open for "students who are interested in extra challenges."

Frustrated parents petition schools
Many parents explain that the existence of honours programs at secondary schools was a significant factor when deciding which secondary school to send their kids. As a result, the removal of these programs could potentially make school comparisons much harder for incoming students in the future.

Some parents of students at Eric Hamber Secondary have even started petitions to save honours programs. For example, Concerned Hamber Catchment Families has started a petition to save the Science 8 Honours course and Math Honours 8.

Students' Perspectives
Whether or not the Vancouver School Board's decision does promote inequality is up for debate. For some students, the absence of honours programs might leave them feeling unchallenged and bored during class. For others, the new policy may relieve them of the peer pressure and competitive nature that exists with honours programs.