OCDSB Statement: Schools are for learning and should not be targeted for political protests
On June 9th, an individual from outside Ottawa is intending to lead a demonstration in a residential community near two OCDSB schools (elementary and secondary). This individual, as well as others associated with this demonstration, have a history of aligning with and promoting inflammatory, transphobic, and hateful content against members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Schools are places of learning and should not be the targets of political protests. Adults should never make children and youth feel threatened or intimidated. Protests that are intended to provoke students, staff, families and/or community members to generate attention or social media traffic are completely unacceptable.
We are also aware that there is considerable effort underway in the community to organize counter protests. We appreciate the support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but we remain concerned about the threats to safety created by protesters and counter protesters.
The OCDSB has respectfully requested that protesters and counter protesters relocate their planned protests away from schools.
The OCDSB actively supports our legal and ethical responsibility to uphold the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We welcomed the recent guidance by the Minister of Education 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.
What Actions Has the OCDSB Taken?
The OCDSB has been monitoring this situation and actively working with the school staff and the Ottawa Police Services to develop a plan to ensure students and staff are safe. This includes intentional work with students and staff to ensure the 2SLGBTQ+ community feels supported in the schools.
We know there are many in the community who are deeply concerned about these protests and wondering how to respond. We encourage you to keep your message positive, promote the inclusive nature of our community, and share your support for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and community members, but do not create additional risks outside of schools.
Unfortunately, in response to the planned demonstrations, area schools have had to make a number of adjustments to the learning day to keep students away from the demonstrations and deal with what are expected to be significant transportation and access issues. More information is to be provided to the school communities.
We wish to clearly state that 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.
Additional 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.