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But the comparison is there, and your justification for it as being a sample of groups “that
are not endorsed and permitted in Halton Catholic schools,” simply because they are
“against magisterial of the Catholic Church," is quite telling of the restrictive school
environment you want to create for your students. The fact that you claim that Catholic
schools have ‘denominational rights’ to do as they please with requests to establish Gay-
Straight Alliances also comes to show how poorly you understand your role as a school
trustee, not to mention the equity laws that govern your school district.
You are indeed correct in stating that you have denominational rights with regards to
most practices within Catholic schools, but should the wellbeing of your students not
come first? As Chair of the Halton Catholic District School Board, are you not primarily
responsible for the health and wellbeing of all students in your community, many of
whom identify as LGBT or come from families with members who do? Indeed, by
choosing to ban Gay-Straight Alliances in your schools, you show not only that you are
delinquent in your duty to foster a nurturing learning environment for your all students,
but you actually do a great disservice to your community by barring them from
developing more informed and compassionate attitudes towards your LGBT constituents.
Queer Ontario is of the position that allowing a safe and loving space for students to
explore, discover, and come to terms with their sexual orientation (should they choose to
do so, of course) creates an opportunity for dialogue, support, growth and empowerment.
As such, we disagree with the HCDSB’s claim that “the same objective of promoting
understanding” can be fostered with generic human rights groups, especially if this takes
place in an environment that discourages ‘coming out’ or the discussion of issues related
to sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
By choosing to not allow Gay-Straight Alliances in your district, then, you are denying
students their right to free association, freedom of expression, and the mandated
provision of a space that is free of oppression and discrimination. Or, to put it in more
empathetic terms: by blocking these Ministry recommended organizations, you are not
only contributing to a hostile atmosphere for LGBTQ students in your district, but the
student body as a whole. Everyone can benefit from honest discussion and a greater
awareness of LGBTQ issues -- your straight-identified students, teachers, and board
officers included.
Sincerely,
Casey Oraa
Chair, Political Action Committee
Queer Ontario