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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.