Principal Aaron Hobbs of Sir Robert Borden High School, in an attempt to be inclusive, played a 'Free Palestine' song during the Remembrance Day ceremony. As individuals who value the solemnity of Remembrance Day and respect for our fallen soldiers, we believe this was inappropriate and disrespectful. Remembrance Day serves to honor fallen soldiers, and by changing the customary observance in this way, Principal Hobbs dishonored this intention.

Many of us came forward and expressed our concerns to Principal Hobbs but were met with dismissive responses, one including his statement that Remembrance Day is 'usually about a white guy who did something related to the military'. This kind of reductionist view goes against the true spirit of Remembrance Day, which is to honor all fallen soldiers, regardless of their ethnicity or race.

In 2017, the Canadian government considered barring chaplains from praying for fallen soldiers during Remembrance Day ceremonies. Fortunately, this proposed policy was swiftly met with backlash and was not implemented (source: Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences). This event highlighted the importance of preserving the integrity of Remembrance Day.

We believe that Principal Hobbs' actions similarly threaten the significance of this day. Therefore, we demand his immediate dismissal from his position, in the hopes of reinstating respect and dignity to our Remembrance Day observances. We owe it to our fallen soldiers and their families to preserve the sanctity of this day, as a day of honor and remembrance for their sacrifices. Sign this petition to show your support in maintaining the solemnity of Remembrance Day.