WRDSB hears delegates at meeting regarding LGBTQ+ library resources
The discussion of LGBTQ+ resources in school libraries led to emotional testimonials from delegates and contention among board members at a recent Waterloo Region District School Board meeting.
The Monday night meeting came one week after a teacher making a delegation to the board was told to end her presentation early before eventually being removed.
Concerns were raised that Carolyn Burjoski's remarks about LGBTQ+ books in school libraries were violating the Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects gender identity and expression. Burjoski said she was later assigned to work from home.
"While some trustees and some well-meaning delegates might genuinely not have seen the harm the delegate caused in what she was saying, I can assure you it was real," said chair Scott Piatkowsi.
The recent Monday night meeting began with trustee Mike Ramsay voicing his concern with Piatkowski's handling of the presentation the week prior. This included Piatkowski telling Ramsay that he was out of order on a number of occasions.
"The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is intended to protect citizens from government, it's not intended to expand the authority of government," said Peter Woolstencroft, a political science professor at the University of Waterloo. "So here's the school board using the charter to limit people's speech."
While some delegates were against the decision by the board, others were in favour.
"There is no place for violence or hate in Waterloo Region," said Mitchell Davis. "The transphobia displayed in the Jan. 17 meeting is deeply troubling and not welcome here."
Delegate Cait Glasson shared personal experiences to highlight the importance of having LGBTQ+ resources in libraries.
"It wasn't until I was 52 years old, three years ago, that I first read a book in which there was a protagonist who was like me," said Glasson. "I had spent the first 52 years of my life being desperately ashamed of being transgender because I never saw any positive representation.
"Making these books available will save lives."
In statement emailed to CTV News Tuesday, the board defended its trustees' handling of the Jan. 17 delegation and its decision not to post the meeting online like it normally does:
"External legal counsel confirmed that the board has reduced liability to the board by putting a stop to the delegation to the January 17 Committee of the Whole and not sharing the video and that further, the board has taken the necessary steps to reduce harm to WRDSB students, staff and community and reduce its legal exposure. The board has been advised that by taking these steps it is in adherence to board bylaws, board policies, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and Ministry of Education directions, and as such the board has complied with its obligations and responsibilities as required by law," the board said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca