Some residents in Mississauga rallied over the weekend in protest of 2SLGBTQ+ education in schools.
The rally, called the Haya Day Parade, was reportedly organized by the Seerah Education Foundation, a charity that supports Islamic education worldwide. In an online post, the organizer wrote the rally was created to “stand against gender confusion, sexual orientation, and the indoctrination of children in schools.”
Protesters gathered at Celebration Square on Saturday where they chanted, “teachers, leave our kids alone” and “they don’t need no mind control.”
Ahead of the planned protest, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie put out a statement saying she was “deeply disappointed to learn of an anti-2SLGBTQI+ protest.
“As your Mayor, I strongly believe in the principles of inclusivity, acceptance, and equality and strongly denounce this rally,” Crombie wrote on Friday.
“I want to make it clear that I stand firmly against any actions or events that seek to promote discrimination or undermine the rights and dignity of our 2SLGBTQI+community.”
Police, in collaboration with security, were also present at the Square during the rally to “ensure the peace and security of all present.”
Crombie urged that all those involved should prioritize peace, respect, and constructive dialogue.
“The best way you can stand up against discrimination and bigotry is to not engage or give it attention that it doesn’t deserve,” she said.
Peel District School Board (PDSB) told Now Toronto in an email statement that it will continue to take steps to support, protect and create inclusive learning and working spaces for everyone.
“As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we will continue to work in collaboration with Workplace Equity and the Equity, Indigenous Education, School Engagement and Community Relations department, to implement an action plan to address various learning outcomes and experiences to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff are seen, safe, and feel a sense of belonging within PDSB communities,” PDSB Communications Specialist Malon Edwards said on Monday.
In June, for Pride Month, the school board released a statement regarding demonstrations and displays of intolerant behaviours in schools.
“We need to continue to work as a Peel community to build a collective understanding grounded in human rights and inclusion,” the statement read.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows every individual to have our own views, expressions, religious and cultural beliefs. However, our beliefs and rights never allow us to express or act in a way that is discriminatory towards others,” it continued.
