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The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has issued a statement regarding the protest at their head office.
Known online as the #1MillionMarch4Chidren, protests have been planned across Canada throughout the week. One was scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th at the HDSB office in Burlington, and another one was scheduled for Milton’s Town Hall on the same day. Participants are protesting education that focuses on 2S&LGBTQ+ rights.
Here’s the statement from the HDSB:
The Halton District School Board is aware of the planned protests scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th.
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.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and staff, as reflected in our commitments in the HDSB Multi-Year Plan and in alignment with Ministry mandates and ultimately the Ontario Human Rights Code.
As a public school board, we engage in learning that recognizes, affirms and honours the experiences and contributions of a diverse range of individuals and groups. We recognize that a diverse representation of families and students are in the Halton community – student and staff census data tells us that all identities are present in the HDSB school system. As a public board, it is our mandate to represent all identities through the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and promote safety, respect, acceptance and inclusion for all. In our classrooms, students are learning Math, English, Science, History, Technology and other subjects, and they are learning how to build relationships, think critically and be respectful and inclusive citizens, ready to contribute to their communities.
We remain committed to ensuring our schools and workplaces are inclusive and welcoming spaces that support the success and well-being of all students and staff, and that we are preparing students for continued success as citizens of diverse communities, both locally and globally. 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.
We recognize that the 2S&LGBTQ+ community could be particularly impacted by events on Sept. 20 and students, staff and families may require additional support. Staff in need of support are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor and/or access the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Students in need of support are encouraged to speak, at any time, with a trusted adult including a teacher, Social Worker, school administration or school Guidance Counsellor.
Below are additional community resources:
- Students may call the ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 which is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week, or Kids Help Phone – Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868; Text a Counsellor: 686868; Live Chat:https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/.
- OneStopTalk A free, immediate and confidential service for children, youth and their families. Click the “Start the Conversation” button on the website or call 1-855-416-8255. Service is provided Monday – Friday 12 – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 12 – 4 p.m. When you reach out you can instantly connect with a registered therapist by phone or video.
- Students and families can find mental health and well-being information and resources through the HDSB website on the Mental Health & Well-Being webpage.
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