GSAs Under Threat From Catholic School Board - Again

When bullies bully the anti-bulliers

The Toronto District School Board has no problem supporting students. Image via TDSB.

Here’s what happens when bullies bully the anti-bulliers.

Members of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) are attempting to eradicate Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in an appeal to overthrow provincial Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act. The bill explicitly states that all schools in Ontario must support LGBT “organizations with the name gay-straight alliance or another name.”

Board members Garry Tanuan and John Del Grande are the vocal leaders of the movement, who are opposed to gay-straight alliances insofar as they “promote a positive view of homosexual activity, which undermines Catholic teaching on chastity and marriage.”

Tanuan and Del Grande have quite the uphill battle ahead of them, facing opposition from both the chair of the board, and the Education Minister. The motion was first raised at the TCDSN meeting on April 25, but the board chair Ann Andrachuck refused to entertain the conversation, claiming that the movement was “unlawful” and “contrary to the education act.” Del Grande proclaimed that democracy “has been put to shame tonight.” (What a Drama Queen, eh?)

Likewise, Education Minister Liz Sandals was also quick to discourage the movement: “It is our responsibility to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school.”

The movement will be put on the agenda for a meeting next Thursday, May 23. 

[Via Xtra]

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Jeremy Schipper is an intern at Toronto Standard. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeromeoschipps.