As a parent and an Ontarian, I believe all kids should feel safe and protected at school and in their homes. But the outing of trans and non-binary students – a policy move favoured by Ontario’s Minister of Education Stephen Lecce – will do just the opposite. It will seriously harm vulnerable trans and non-binary children.
The Minister needs to understand that words matter, and that his recent words are extremely dangerous, and devastating, for trans and non-binary kids.
Many OPSEU/SEFPO members who work in schools and on the frontlines of education do incredible work with students, taking care of our children and communities. They understand supporting children and the importance of mental health in the classroom. Any requirement that education workers expose trans and non-binary students to potential abuse or danger, by deadnaming or outing them, will threaten children’s lives and wellbeing.
As students and families across Ontario prepare to return to school next week, Minister Lecce should be focused on ensuring that our schools, students, teachers and educational workers are safe and fully supported – not this divisive appeal to the far right, which is nothing more than a cynical political manoeuvre to distract from the Ford government’s corruption scandals and cuts agenda.
We are calling on Minister Lecce to do what’s right – publicly retract his statement immediately and recognize the harm caused by forcing students to disclose their pronouns. Trans and non-binary children’s lives depend on it.
JP Hornick