School board defends 2S&LGBTQ+ education ahead of planned protests in Burlington and Oakville

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) will have counsellors available to assist students and staff members traumatized by those protesting against 2S&LGBTQ+ education in schools.

Billed as the 1 Million March 4 Children, organizers of tomorrow’s (Sept. 20) protest say they will march on the HDSB offices in Burlington as well as rally at Oakville’s Town Hall.

The protestors say they are against what they believe is 2S&LGBTQ+ indoctrination and sexualization in the classroom.

In a statement released this evening, the HDSB said it is aware of the planned protest and will protect the rights of all students and staff.

“The HDSB is committed to upholding the human rights of all students, staff, families and our communities. This includes unequivocally supporting the human rights of 2S&LGBTQ+ students, staff and families,” the statement reads.

Further, in the statement the HDSB said it recognizes the 2S&LGBTQ+ community could be particularly impacted by the protest and as a result, those in need of support will be able to access assistance through school social workers, administrators, guidance counsellors and worker assistance programs.

The school board goes on to say that its role in education is to engage in learning that recognizes, affirms and honours the experiences and contributions of a diverse range of individuals and groups.

“We believe open dialogue is an integral part of learning and we continue our work to provide learning and working environments free from discrimination for students, families, staff and members of the public,” the HDSB states.

The planned Burlington and Oakville demonstration is part of a national protest called for Sept. 20. Organizers say they are “advocating for the elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”

It is not known how many participants are expected but students have been encouraged to take the day off from school and attend.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has condemned the protest saying participants are being fueled by far-right organizations and anti-public education activists, among others. They are encouraging local activists to stage counter-demonstrations.

Locally, the Halton District School Board was at the centre of controversy earlier this year when it allowed a provocatively dressed transgender teacher to continue to work in the classroom despite the objections of parent groups and some senior government officials.