"The Duty of my youth is to challenge corruption."- Kurt Cobain

Hi, my name is Kiyora Case and I, along with my close friend Tiore Hamilton, have taken on the initiative to address the concerns of not only the graduating Class of 2023, but the entire student body of Cardinal Leger S.S.

Our school has undergone significant changes since the arrival of our new principal, Mrs. Francese Campese, in September of 2022. While some of these have had positive impacts, others have caused concern among students and staff alike.

As we approached the end of our first semester, we began to have assemblies to discuss the topics of graduation and prom. It quickly became apparent that many of our school's traditions had been altered, and some had even been cancelled without explanation. Forty pages of our yearbook has been cut, including baby photos and quotes, which are often the most memorable parts of the book. Our sunset blessing, a cherished tradition in which the graduating class gathers to partake in activities, eating, and to watch the sunset which is concluded with a prayer, has been cancelled  without reason. 

However, our major issue is the discussion surrounding cultural stoles at graduation. Many black students have expressed a desire to wear their African American Heritage stoles, which acknowledges systemic racism, commemorates our ancestors, and acknowledges black excellence despite generational setbacks. An array of students have been told that cultural wear, specifically stoles, would exclude others and that wearing them at our graduation would be punishable. This not only affects black students, but our entirely multi-cultural student body. This statement demonstrates the lack of knowledge and ignorance towards systems set up to hinder the academic success of all minorities and the issue will only grow if we stay silent.

We have started a petition to raise awareness of the pride and honour that comes with showing appreciation for all cultures, regardless of race or ethnicity. After a very lengthy plead with our administrators we have decided to invoke change by speaking against and protesting these unjust changes after being ignored and brushed off consistently. We ask that YOU, as a student, educator, or parent, take the time to sign this petition and understand that this does not just happen at Cardinal Leger but within many schools, in many districts and, in many cities. Stand with our school and the Cardinal Leger Class of 2023 to take action and invoke the change we want to see within our school's and to push back against the ignorance towards the meanings and causes not only behind our cultural stole but, how we honour our academic accomplishments.

Please feel free to reach out to either of us at: kiyorahminquires@gmail.com or tiore6@me.com,

Thank you.