WRDSB trustee takes issue with board’s public response to 'child abuse' claim
A Kitchener public school board trustee has released an open letter of dissent, arguing a recent communication to parents from the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) may have a “chilling effect” on those who may wish to voice concerns in public forums.
On Monday, Mike Ramsay took issue with a letter released by the board on Jan. 20, on the direction of trustees, addressing a series of concerns raised by a parent at a public meeting on Jan. 16.
The letter addressed what the board chair called “unfounded accusations of child abuse” and “misinformation” among other concerns raised at the meeting.
“I’ve never seen [this] in the history of the board and I don’t believe there’s any justification for this; for such a public response,” said Ramsay. “Why the departure from past practices?”
The WRDSB letter does not name any parent, but alludes to concerns “framed as questions” while carrying an “accusatory” tone and “coupled with inflammatory language and misinformation.” The open letter notes as the comments were made in a public forum, administration decided to address them publicly.
Ramsay names David Todor in his letter as the parent who detailed issues with a student survey which contained identity-based questions and concerns with a particular book available to the student population online. In concluding his delegation, Todor suggested the board was facilitating child abuse.
“Who is interested in knowing and affirming, celebrating my daughter’s sexual orientation?” questioned Todor. “Why is the school board facilitating child abuse and has these kinds of books available in the library?”
The board responded with an open letter explaining the surveys are voluntary and used to gather data for education planning. Staff also noted the book in question was not available to elementary students, but is available as an e-book.
Ramsay’s rebuttal takes issue with the tone of the letter, its characterization of Todor’s concerns and its public release.
“The parent was not there questioning LGBTQ rights,” said Ramsay. “They were there to talk about their grade four child, whether or not they should have access to certain books.”
Ramsay called Todor’s presentation respectful and suggested the language may be “hyperbolic” but carried legitimate underlying concerns.
“The inference I took from the presentation was that he was suggesting the board was making it easier for child abuse to take place,” said Ramsay. “Whether or not he’s right or wrong, he does have that right to come and speak to his elected representatives. We don’t have to agree with him, but we do have to listen to have we has to say.”
CTV News reached out to the WRDSB for an interview, but a spokesperson for the board declined comment.
The letter remains published on the board website and includes links to both Family & Children Services of the Waterloo Region and the Waterloo Regional Police Service for valid concerns of child abuse to be reported.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.