Within the just last few years in Ontario, multiple school boards have decided not to fly the Pride flag, there have been calls to remove safe space stickers from classrooms, restrictions have been placed on 2SLGBTQ+ books, and anti-2SLGBTQ+ protests have targeted inclusive school curricula.
In other areas of the country, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick have recently introduced legislation that will undoubtedly put the safety of 2SLGBTQ+ students at risk by restricting the right of youth to self-identify in schools. Last Fall, members of the Ontario government, including Premier Doug Ford and former Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, made comments to the media that suggested they would support similar legislation here. Ford even accused Ontario teachers and school boards of “indoctrinating” students on issues of gender identity and stated that parents have the right to “make sure they are informed when their children make a decision,” regardless of whether their child consents to this information being shared.1
However, recently the law came down on the side of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their supporters. In June 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada found that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies to Ontario school boards, thus affirming that students are protected in their right to privacy.2
All 2SLGBTQ+ youth deserve safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools where they are recognized and celebrated as their full selves and where they can reach their full potential. This includes accurate and inclusive school curricula, books, and other learning resources, and full access to school facilities, such as washrooms; extracurricular activities, such as athletics; and gender-affirming school health services.
Speak up for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario! Participate in LGBT YouthLine’s Write for Student Rights campaign today and sign the pledge for inclusive schools!
By signing our Pledge for Inclusive Schools, you commit to fighting against homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, classism, and other forms of oppression. Support inclusive curricula and harmful legislation. Sign the pledge and share your commitment on social media to make your voice heard and help us foster an inclusive educational environment!