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- 2003-11-24
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Earlier today, a number of secondary students left school property to participate in a demonstration in support of Palestinians. We did not have advance notice of the demonstration, however the administration team was present to monitor the situation.
The demonstration was generally peaceful and held off school property. Unfortunately, we were made aware that a hateful antisemitic symbol was used on a poster during the demonstration. This is completely unacceptable and we are investigating this situation.
Many students, staff, and families are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially Arab, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian members of our community. At school, we are working to maintain a focus on learning and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
In our classes, we encourage students to be thoughtful, active, and engaged participants in the world around them. We know there are times when students may wish to demonstrate or engage in activism regarding local, provincial, federal, or international issues of importance to them. The OCDSB supports student voice, critical thinking, and social responsibility. All students have the right to express their identities. This must be balanced with the responsibility not to inadvertently perpetuate anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, or Islamophobia. We encourage students to listen, consider, and understand other perspectives and experiences.
At the same time, we remind students engaged in activism that the right to freedom of expression comes with the obligation to respect other people's opinions that are different from their own. Students advocating for a cause at school or in a place that may impact the school climate are subject to our policies and Code of Conduct (which includes language on hate-related behaviour).
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The demonstration was generally peaceful and held off school property. Unfortunately, we were made aware that a hateful antisemitic symbol was used on a poster during the demonstration. This is completely unacceptable and we are investigating this situation.
Many students, staff, and families are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially Arab, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian members of our community. At school, we are working to maintain a focus on learning and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
In our classes, we encourage students to be thoughtful, active, and engaged participants in the world around them. We know there are times when students may wish to demonstrate or engage in activism regarding local, provincial, federal, or international issues of importance to them. The OCDSB supports student voice, critical thinking, and social responsibility. All students have the right to express their identities. This must be balanced with the responsibility not to inadvertently perpetuate anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, or Islamophobia. We encourage students to listen, consider, and understand other perspectives and experiences.
At the same time, we remind students engaged in activism that the right to freedom of expression comes with the obligation to respect other people's opinions that are different from their own. Students advocating for a cause at school or in a place that may impact the school climate are subject to our policies and Code of Conduct (which includes language on hate-related behaviour).
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
