Surrey parent Paul Jubenvill has withdrawn his human rights complaint over an elementary school’s refusal to provide space for a Bible study group. Jubenvill said Wednesday he was taken aback by the storm of controversy over his plans to hold voluntary meetings on Christianity at Colebrook Elementary School. “It turned into a war. It’s not what I want. I’m not a political person. I didn’t even know what this tribunal is,” said Jubenvill. “It’s turned into Us vs. Them. It’s become a mudslinging thing. People have totally misunderstood my actions,” he said.

Jubenvill had filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal on Dec. 1 after he was refused space for the noon-hour group. By way of explanation, the school board said it had a legislated duty to separate church and education in elementary schools. According to Jubenvill, a 35-year-old software designer who lives “by God’s word,” his freedom of religion was guaranteed under the Canadian Human Rights Act. But he has now withdrawn his official complaint “after further reflection.”

He didn’t know what this tribunal is – then who pushed him to file?

Paul Jubenvill, a member of the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church, filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal on Dec. 1, saying the district’s decision violates his freedom-of-religion rights.

“This is no different than the freedom to have a jazz club or a badminton club,” he told the Province newspaper. “There can’t be discrimination on the basis of religion.”

Jubenvill has two sons, Jasper, 7, and Levi, 9. The School Act separates church and school.