Dear Supporters,
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support! We've reached over 32,000 signatures, and it's because of your commitment that we've made significant strides in our mission to protect 2SLGBTQI students from discrimination in Ontario's publicly funded education.
However, we need to address a concerning development that threatens the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQI students in Ontario.
Recently, both the Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, have made troubling comments that perpetuate transphobia within our education system. They have echoed harmful rhetoric including terms "parental rights" and "indoctrination" when it comes to teachers respecting trans students' rights to be addressed by their preferred pronouns or names in school. These comments not only undermine the protections in place but also create a hostile environment for students who may not be safe coming out at home.
It is crucial to understand that these evidence based protections were implemented to allow 2SLGBTQI students to be themselves, to focus on their education, and to flourish academically. This rhetoric, which is a conveniently timed distraction from their greenbelt scandal, is dangerously regressive.
Even as we celebrate the Toronto Catholic District School Board's publication of the "Catholic Equity Action Plan 2023-2026," which is a testament to our collective efforts over nearly five years, we must point out a grave issue. Page 35, which introduces the Board's "2SLGBTQ Community Strategy," is deeply problematic. *While homophobia and sexual orientation are mentioned, transphobia and gender identity are glaringly excluded.
The current climate requires deliberate action to protect trans students, who are facing increased discrimination and harassment based on gender identity or expression.
This does a huge disservice to trans students, who are not sexually active, as it is well known that these terms are often conflated. This can cause misunderstanding, stigmatization, inadequate support, and increased mental health concerns.
These setbacks are alarming, but they also strengthen our resolve. It's time to unite once again and combat the growing transphobia in our education system. We must remind public officials and school boards that the eyes of our nation are on them, and their actions are under scrutiny.
CALL TO ACTION
Visit our website [protectouryouth.ca] for misinformation debunking resources; and sign up for updates, upcoming actions, and events.
Share this petition and our website with your friends, family, and social networks. The more support we garner, the stronger our voice becomes.
Stay informed and engaged. Attend local school board meetings, join parent-teacher associations, and advocate for the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQI students in your community.
We can continue to make a difference and create an inclusive and discrimination-free environment for all students in Ontario's publicly funded education system together. Your support is truly valued - Thank You!
*Updated November 1 2023: A previous version speculated that the term "transphobia" was deleted in two placed based on grammatical errors. The grammar has since been corrected, however "homophobia" and "sexual orientation" remains the focus of this action plan module.