District apologizes for yearbook bullying

A man who was bullied in high school is asking for an apology from the North Vancouver School District more than 40 years after a homophobic slur was printed next to his yearbook picture. Oct. 4, 2012. (CTV)

The North Vancouver School District has apologized to a man who was humiliated with a homophobic slur next to his yearbook picture more than four decades ago.

Robin Tomlin, who now suffers from a life-threatening liver condition, was the victim of intense bullying during his time at Argyle Secondary School. He was a shy 17-year-old anxious to graduate and finally get away from the torment when he received his 1970 yearbook.

Inside, each student’s picture featured a caption describing their goals or high school memories. Next to Tomlin’s photo was a single word: “Fag.”

“There it was in black and white,” Tomlin says of the first time he laid eyes on the horrifying prank. “One of the teachers had to do the editing, it had to be proof-read, it had to be sent to a publisher. There were staff that knew.”

Tomlin’s story is an example of the lasting, harmful effects of bullying. Forty-two years later, now living in the Kootenays with kids of his own, he still has painful memories of the experience.

“First thing I was scared because back in the 60s and 70s being a homosexual wasn’t safe,” Tomlin said. “I didn’t do anything. I kept my mouth shut, I didn’t even go to my grad.”

Tomlin was prompted to speak out about the bullying after his daughter stumbled onto the yearbook, but says he had little luck dealing with the school district until he took to social media.

But district spokeswoman Victoria Miles confirmed Thursday that officials are now working to right that wrong, starting with the physical yearbook.

“There are two copies that are kept in the Argyle school library, so those will be amended to Mr. Tomlin’s satisfaction,” Miles said. “Mr. Tomlin will also receive a copy of an amended annual for his own family.”

The district has also issued Tomlin a written apology, and offered to pay for him to travel back to North Vancouver for a face-to-face meeting with the superintendent.

“I want to do this while I still can,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin believes anti-bullying efforts have come a long way since he was in high school, but it’s still prevalent. He offered a few words of advice for children struggling with bullies.

“Stand up for yourself,” he said. “Sure you’re going to be afraid at first but don’t give up.”

With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Shannon Paterson