Vandalism Against Education Locals Prompts Call for Action to Combat Hatred and Support LGBTQ+ Rights

Last night, all three offices of the London Education Locals, front-line workers, were vandalized by transphobes, emboldened by the comments of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce over the past three weeks.

CUPE 4186 in the London Catholic District School Board, CUPE 4222 and CUPE 7575 in the Thames Valley District School Board filed reports with the London Police Service and provided evidence to facilitate the criminal investigation.

Here is a statement from Laura Walton, teacher assistant and president of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Union Council:

“Vandalism is a classic intimidation tactic used against union workers and oppressed people by mobs opposed to freedom, equality and justice around the world.

In the case that concerns us, the violence against private property is intended to intimidate workers who defend the right of children to education in an environment free from harassment and the right of all students to simply be who they are. and they are and express themselves, regardless of their gender identity.

Tomorrow, front-line education workers will stand up to those who spread hatred. Together, we will continue to fight to ensure that our public schools are safe environments for all.

The Toronto District School Board (TSB) has come out in support of students, including 2SLGBTQI+ children. We call on all Ontario school boards to publicly condemn this hatred. This includes the Ontario Public Schoolboard Association (OPSBA), the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), the Association franco-ontarienne des Conseils scolaire catholiques (AFOCSC), and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association ( ACÉPO). What is your position?

We also ask those who have the most power, namely the Minister of Education and the provincial premier, to denounce attacks on students’ right to education and to support the fundamental freedom of children not be victims of discrimination.

Minister Stephen Lecce and Premier Doug Ford have shown blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of trans and queer youth. Their home is not always a safe place for these children to discuss their gender identity. Sometimes school is a much safer place where children can open up with caring adults and get the support they need. Forcing schools to report children’s gender identity to parents puts children’s lives at risk. »