‘This is a commitment on which we will not waver’: York Region District School Board reaffirms commitment to creating safe environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff amid protests

Protest marches against 2SLGBTQ+ discussions in schools taking place across Canada

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 21, 2023
Laura Broadley

York Region District School Board reminded all students and staff that they are welcome and safe within the hallways of its schools amid protests against in-school discussions that touch on subjects such as gender identity and sexual orientation.

"YRDSB continues to be committed to creating environments that are identity-affirming for all, including the 2SGLBTQI+ community," Bill Cober, director of education, said in a statement posted to the board's website.

Protest marches took place Sept. 20 in cities across Canada, including Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton. Several counter-protest marches also took place to show support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“While we’re not aware of any (protests) at York Region schools, at events around the province, we are seeing some examples of transphobic, homophobic and biphobic hate," Cober said. "Any kind of hatred has no place in our schools or workplaces and will not be tolerated."

The raising of a progress pride flag at every YRDSB school during Pride month, gay-straight alliance clubs and the creation of positive spaces are just some of the ways the school board demonstrates its allyship, Cober said.

The board continues to create age-appropriate learning opportunities about gender identity and expression, transphobia, homophobia, biphobia and gender diversity.

"We ground this approach in a core commitment to human rights, which includes the protected grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression," he continued. "This is a commitment on which we will not waver."

YRDSB has published a list of community resources for families and students needing support.

York Catholic District School Board is continually monitoring for demonstrations that could affect its schools, but in a statement, spokesperson Mark Brosens said the board is unaware of any protests planned in the area around its schools for Sept. 20.

"People have a constitutionally protected right to protest," he said. "When protests exceed what is permitted under the law, our local police partners have been very responsive."