In Canada, there is strong support for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion with a small segment of the population fighting it. This is not to dismiss the negative impact of these groups but to emphasize that this movement is not based on any democratic principles. Their goal is to disrupt and agitate enough to force their unpopular ideas upon everyone. By taking action against anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate, everyone can play a role in creating a more inclusive and safe educational environment.
When encountering the dissemination of hateful ideas, it is important to counter the ideas in the moment, especially in environments where there may be targeted by the hate. It is also important to ensure this is done in a way that doesn’t further drive the individual into isolation which can increase the chance of radicalization. This is especially key when children are repeating ideas they have heard but may not fully understand the implications of. Focus on combatting the ideas and educating the individual, while prioritizing the safety of everyone present. Being familiar with the ideas in this document will aid in accomplishing this.
Ensure you are proactively creating a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive classroom. Make it clear that anti-2SLGBTQ+ remarks are unacceptable before there is a chance for them to be expressed.
Document instances of anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate and ensure school administration is aware of it.
Rely on a human rights-based framework to address complaints from parents. Lean on existing policies and laws to justify your actions.
Make sure not to give a false impression that you agree with anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments and only are inclusive because you have to be. (Don’t completely shift responsibility to the board, admin, or government.)
Seek support if you need it. School administration, the school board, and community organizations are all great resources to collaboratively address issues.
Ensure the school enforces a zero-tolerance policy on hate. This includes students, staff, and anyone else that may be in the building.
Ensure specific policies are in place to protect 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.
Collaborate with community organizations to address instances of anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate outside the school when necessary.
Support and acknowledge teachers who are actively advancing 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in your school.
Communicate specific needs or concerns to the school board if they are beyond you capacity to effectively address.
Prioritize 2SLGBTQ+ safety and well-being in policies and in how trustee meetings are conducted.
Use open letters and statements when necessary to address specific issues as a way to educate the public and show support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Utilize the codes of conduct to ensure that elected trustees are upholding their legal responsibilities and not harming 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Update delegation rules to ensure that delegates cannot spread anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate.
Do not implement any policy that would require delegations on “both sides” of an issue. (See Ideological Indoctrination section)
Ban delegations from known groups that seek to violate the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Interrupt delegations that are spreading anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate and stop them when needed.
Use legal recourse when possible to continue advancing protections for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.