As many of you may already know, the Timmins Public Library reversed its decision and is now offering the robotics session to all children between the ages of 9-12. The CEO of the library sent me a text message directing me to their Facebook page to see their "official media release". The media release goes on to say that they "wish to apologize to the public and Science Timmins for the misunderstanding related to the Robotics event which was designed to encourage improved literacy through reading." Although I disagree with the claim that this was a "misunderstanding", Cash and I are happy with their decision to open the session up to all children regardless of their gender. Gendered approaches to education are extremely problematic. From all the stories you've shared the last few days it's clear that this isn't only a problem here in Timmins, but a much larger societal problem. We need to change the way our society thinks, and we as a society need to empower and invest in our girls. This is a great example of why so many girls are afraid to participate in STEM, because of the sexism society portrays. Everyone should be empowered, encouraged and supported to learn about and join the STEM fields, especially girls and young women since this field is so vastly underrepresented by women. Encouraging girls to participate in programs to advance STEM is crucial to improving the world that we live in. Studies show that gender equality helps boys succeed in school, be more comfortable with their own identity and emotions, and it helps them build positive relationships. We also believe that educators (and libraries-places where we go to seek out information) have a higher level of accountability. We see them as a source of truths and facts and by perpetuating these sexist stereotypes they allow these beliefs to continue. Claiming that this is a "misunderstanding" is not an apology. I asked the Timmins Public Library CEO Carol Ann Churcher if Elaine De Bonis would be apologizing to Cash and every other girl who this may have influenced and/or been affected by this but she refused to answer. I also asked if there would be any kind of training or information session provided to Elaine to ensure this doesn't happen again in the future but she again refused to answer. I did not speak to the media until after the TPL's official news release was posted online and after Mike Doody spoke to several media sources. I eventually did speak to the media because we were disappointed with the lack of accountability from Mike Doody and TPL as well as the missing apology from Elaine De Bonis to Cash and everyone else who may have been affected by the her. I would like to thank you all for supporting Cash and essentially every other girl who may have been impacted by this or been in a similar situation. For those of you who are saying that this isn't a big deal, I hear you. In the grand scheme of things this might not be a "big deal" to you, but to a nine year old girl in the world that we live in this IS a big deal. Believe me when I say that Cash is probably more up to date on current world events and has likely participated in more marches, vigils and protests than most adults. She is quite involved in and aware of the struggles others are facing in the world right now, and not only in the women's right movement. As someone mentioned yesterday, it's well known that women face a wide spectrum of resistance to their inclusion in STEM fields, from the tragic Montreal massacre in 1989 at the École Polytechnique, an engineering school, to small unreasonable rejections that happen every day, such as this one. Thank you all so very much, it has meant the world to our entire family to see the support everyone has shown Cash. We realize that there are much bigger problems and issues in the world right now and she sees that even more so now since this petition began and other girls and women have come forward to share their stories. We want you all to know that we join you in solidarity, with what you stand up for and fight for. Caroline Martel cashcayen@hotmail.com