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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.