This petition has evolved from the focus being on the Toronto Catholic District School Board, to including all Ontario publicly funded Catholic boards. The main objective remains to protect our 2SLGBTQI youth & families from discrimination in school, and in turn boarder society.

Not only does this protection impact student safety and achievement, there is no faith that promotes hatred the way we have witnessed extremists spew in the direction of these students, families and education staff. We will not back down until data proves that this community is thriving at a level that their peers are.

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We are writing to you as concerned citizens, advocates, and supporters of inclusive education in Ontario. We are deeply troubled by the rising hate, discrimination, and disinformation campaigns targeting 2SLGBTQI (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) students, families, and staff members within the Ontario Catholic school system.

All Ontario schools, including Catholic schools, are bound by the Ontario Human Rights Code and Program Memorandum 119 (Developing and implementing equity and inclusive education policies in Ontario schools). These legislations oblige educational institutions to create and maintain a safe, discrimination-free, and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Despite these legal obligations, 2SLGBTQI students, families, and staff continue to face systemic bias, barriers to success, and a hostile school climate. It is crucial that we address these issues and take decisive action to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of all.

We respectfully call on decision makers, to take the following measures:

1. Publicly Affirm the Rights of 2SLGBTQI Students and Staff
Uphold the dignity and worth of every student, as protected by various shared values, laws and policies. By publicly affirming the inclusion of trans and gender non-conforming individuals, Catholic education will reflect both its legal obligations and the Gospel's call to love, compassion, and justice for all.

2. Combat Disinformation Campaigns Targeting Students
Years of misinformation, silence and exclusion have harmed these marginalized students who often need support the most. We must combat harmful narratives with truth, understanding, and a commitment to education that embraces everyone’s identity, dignity and worth in the eyes of God and the law.

3. Create a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Strategy
Ontario’s students deserve safe, respectful learning environments. By strengthening action around PPM119 (2013) and developing a gender-based violence prevention strategy, we can protect vulnerable students and foster schools where all feel included, respected and valued.

4. Provide Comprehensive, Inclusive Education on Human Rights
Equip staff and students with accurate, respectful information provided by professionals from a health and safety perspective. Catholic schools can educate the whole person, in line with both the Ontario curriculum and Catholic values of respect and justice.

5. Ensure Access to Mental Health Resources for Students
Many gender non-conforming students face will unique mental health challenges. Ensuring that these students have access to evidence-based mental health services—provided by trained professionals who understand and affirm their experiences from a child protection lens—will promote well-being and safeguard the dignity of all students.

By taking these steps, inclusive discussions will occur and break down barriers, address misconceptions, and build a stronger, more supportive community that lives out the Gospel values in practice.