WRDSB expresses regret for recent comments made by teacher
Posted Jan 21, 2022 11:40:00 AM.
The Waterloo Region District School Board has released a statement after a teacher was accused of making transphobic comments earlier this week.
Carolyn Burjoski spoke to trustees on Monday about pulling resources in school libraries that contain content she feels may not be appropriate for children, saying “some of the books filling our libraries make it seem simple, or even cool to take puberty blockers or opposite-sex hormones.”
The presentation was stopped dead in its tracks after the board held a vote.
The school board released a statement Thursday night, expressing “deep regret for any harm caused to the transgender community.”
“As a school board, we are guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code and committed to doing our best so that all students are affirmed in their identity and see themselves reflected in their learning environment,” the board said. “The Board is committed to upholding the values and principles set out in Board’s Equity and Inclusion Policy 1008 and the Board’s Human Rights Policy 1017. The Board is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment free from inequity, discrimination and harassment.”
“The video of the meeting was not posted as the Board was concerned about potential violations to the Code and to the harm that could affect our students, staff and communities in Waterloo Region.”
Following the #WRDSBmtg Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 17, we would like to express our deep regret for any harm caused to the transgender community. As a school board, we are guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code… /1
— Waterloo Region DSB (@wrdsb) January 21, 2022
