GSA Ban at Halton Catholic School Board

The news that the Halton Catholic District School Board had voted before last fall’s trustee elections to ban gay-straight alliances (GSA) in their schools brought a swift reaction from labour and other leaders in Canada. 

Ken Coran (OSSTF President), Ken Georgetti (CLC President), Sid Ryan (OFL President) and Ken Lewenza (CAW National President) made clear labour’s support for the right of all students to have a positive and safe educational environment.   You can read their letters of support attached below.

Calls to end the ban highlighted the urgent need to address homophobic bullying and violence in our schools and society,and noted the HCDSB’s policy was in conflict with the Equity and Inclusive Education strategy of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Fortunately the widespread response from human rights, LGBTT and many other organizations and individuals across North America was effective: lon January 18, 2011, the HCDSB voted 6-2 to overturn the ban.