A Facebook group known as ‘Decolonize Canadian Schools’ is encouraging elementary and high school students to stage a walkout. The student led protest is set for Friday between 1:00 and 3:00pm.
In a post on social media, the group says “multiple actions are expected to be held in response and revolt against the injustices being committed across Ontario classrooms at the hands of the {dis}honourable Doug Ford. Including cuts to the Truth and Reconciliation actions and the health curriculums being offered.”
The group is calling on students to wear the colour purple and use the hashtag #WeTheStudentsDoNotConsent during the protest.
North Grenville District High School sent out a letter today advising parents and guardians that this walkout is not sanctioned by the school and it will be business as usual Friday.
The school administration says it can’t support the walkout because of safety concerns and community police will be on call.
The letter states “our staff will continue to bring to the attention of our students the appropriate channels available to them to express their views in a manner that promotes balance between the interests of students and our obligation to safely operate our schools and supervise students. We sincerely hope this letter serves to prompt open dialogues with your children about appropriate means to give voice to matters such as these.”
To read the letter in full, click here. For more details about the proposed protest, click here.