At the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, we are proud that we are creating schools that are safe, respectful places for students, staff, parents and our community. We believe all individuals have the right to learn and achieve in an environment where they can feel respected, valued and safe.

Our strategic goals for the next three years firmly state that Achievement Matters, Engagement Matters and Equity Matters across our district. Parents do have a voice in their child’s education and we encourage parents to engage in that dialogue.

We were disappointed; however, to read the recent column that appeared in the Hamilton Community News stating parents have no rights, according to HWDSB. The handout that was referenced in the article was part of an extensive professional learning session for administrators and teachers. The document was taken out of context and was never meant to indicate that parents have no rights to educate their children.

The Ministry of Education’s Equity and Inclusive Education strategy is clear in its goal to help “ensure that issues such as gender-based violence, homophobia, sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behaviour are discussed and addressed in our schools and classrooms” (Realizing the Promise of Diversity: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, p. 15). This expectation is intended to ensure that “every student is supported and inspired to succeed in a culture of high expectation for learning.” Within this context, schools have a responsibility to address homophobia in order to foster an environment free of harrassment and discrimination.

We respect and acknowledge our parents’ right to teach their children. Within the classroom, however, the board has an obligation to follow both the Education Act as well as the Human Rights Code to support our communities’ right to safety and inclusion. Above all, we stand by our commitment to provide a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.

John Malloy, director of Education Jessica Brennan, chair