We are aware there will be demonstrations held in cities this week, including Ottawa, regarding discussions of gender in schools and rights for 2SLGBTQ+ students and families. At this time we are unaware of any planned demonstrations taking place at our schools or if students or their parents are participating.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students, their families, and the broader community is of utmost importance during such events. Staff will be available to support any student who may feel threatened or concerned about this demonstration. Additional resources to support members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community can be found at this link.
The OCDSB actively supports our legal and ethical responsibility to uphold the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We welcomed the guidance by the Minister of Education issued in June that:
It is incumbent on all school boards to ensure all students – most especially 2SLGBTQ+ students – feel supported, reflected in their schools, and welcomed within our communities. That includes celebrating Pride in a constructive, positive and meaningful way to affirm that 2SLGBTQ+ students know that their educators and staff, school board administrators, and government stand with them.
We firmly believe that all publicly funded schools must be safe spaces for all children, regardless of race, heritage, faith, sexuality, and gender.
In a statement issued in September, the Ontario Human Rights Commission said, “Hate is incompatible with a free, just and peaceful society where values of compassion, belonging, and respect are the norm.” We believe all students, families, and staff have the right to feel physically and emotionally safe, welcomed and accepted to be their true selves. We stand in support of all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.