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Home My WebLink About5.2 Written DelegationsDelegation Name:Meagan Wiper Summary of main points for the issue/concern: Being asexual and not finding out I was till the age of 42 due to not being educated about the subject and hoping that other students will find out who they truly are a lot sooner than I did and that resources are budgeted in to help queer students discover their orientation in a healthy and well-informed way.Not providing these resources because of prejudice or stereotypes limit the free expression and also mental health and safety of students in OCDSB schools. Recommendation(s)for resolution of issue: Budget for guest speakers,budget for excellent human sexuality education,budget for books and movies and other resources… Delegation Name:Emma Thompson-Jones Summary of main points for the issue/concern: As a parent to gender fluid and trans kids,I am so grateful for the affirming care that Canada provides.As well as appropriate medical support,school boards like this one make a huge difference in the lives of rainbow families. Recommendation(s)for resolution of issue: Continue to support LGBTQ+kids and their families,whilst remaining vigilant against an ever-growing transphobic minority. Delegation Name:Nugs Lackey Summary of main points for the issue/concern: Discussing gender inclusivity and the need for protections for trans and gender non -conforming kids. Recommendation(s)for resolution of issue: Accommodations and protections for trans kids in a variety of ways. Delegation Name:Amber Labelle Summary of main points for the issue/concern: Thank you to the OCDSB for continuing to affirm the human dignity of our trans,nonbinary and genderfluid students,staff,and education workers.Gender identity is a protected class here in Ontario,upheld by the Ontario Human Rights Code.In the face of hateful and dehumanizing speech,the OCDSB is unwaveringly showing their commitment to human rights.We would not allow someone to stand at this podium and use hateful language to describe students from a particular faith community nor a particular ethnic community. Neither shall we allow hateful speech about gender identity.Our trans,nonbinary,and genderfluid children are loved,valued,and protected.I thank the OCDSB for their fortitude and and commitment to human rights. Recommendation(s)for resolution of issue: Please continue to defend the fundamental human rights of trans,non binary,and genderfluid students, staff,and education workers. Delegation Name:Samuel Rizzotto Summary of main points for the issue/concern: As a parent,my concern is that certain individuals are using public delegations to promote transphobic ideologies and rhetoric.These individuals are attempting to undermine the safety and well-being of students who are transgender or gender non-conforming.I believe that the school board must take a strong stance against these harmful attitudes and ensure that policies and procedures are guided by human rights principles. Recommendation(s)for resolution of issue: To address this issue,I recommend that the school board develop clear guidelines for public delegations to ensure that individuals with transphobic agendas are not given a platform to promote their harmful ideas. Additionally,the board should work closely with community groups and advocacy organizations to develop policies and procedures that prioritize student safety and well-being.Finally,the board must ensure that staff receive training on human rights principles and best practices for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students. Keynote Good evening,everyone.As we gather here today,it is important to remember why we are here:to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places for all students.We must recognize that students come to our schools with diverse backgrounds,identities,and experiences.We have a responsibility to ensure that each and every student feels accepted,valued,and supported. This includes students who are transgender or gender non-conforming.These students face unique challenges and are often subjected to discrimination and harassment.We must take a stand against transphobia and ensure that our policies and procedures are guided by human rights principles. We cannot allow individuals with transphobic agendas to infiltrate our public delegations and promote their harmful ideas.We must develop clear guidelines for public delegations to ensure that all voices are heard,but that harmful and discriminatory rhetoric is not given a platform. We must also work closely with community groups and advocacy organizations to develop policies and procedures that prioritize student safety and well-being.This includes ensuring that staff receive training on human rights principles and best practices for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students. But it’s not just about policies and procedures.We must create a culture of acceptance,tolerance,and respect in our schools.This means challenging harmful attitudes and promoting understanding and empathy.It means celebrating diversity and recognizing the unique contributions that each student brings to our community. Delegation As we move forward,let us remember the importance of student safety,sexuality and trans rights,and acceptance, tolerance,and respect.Let us work together to ensure that our schools are places where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.Thank you.