Hold onto your rainbow hats because we've got quite the story to cover in today’s Pulse! While June is usually all about celebrating diversity and inclusion, the York Catholic District School Board has stirred up quite the commotion by voting against flying the Pride flag at its Catholic Education Centre. Talk about raining on the parade!

The Pulse Results (124 Votes) 📈

Side A 39.52% - It’s time to defund the Catholic School Board, it is clear that they don’t have the best interest of their students & staff

Side B 60.48% - The Catholic School Board has the right to make their own decisions that align with their beliefs and values, and those who don’t agree can switch schools

^{Poll closed: June 7, 2023}

York Catholic school board votes against flying Pride flag at education centre

Published on: May 29, 2023
Published by: CBC News

Emotions are running high this Pride month as the York Catholic District School Board recently made headlines by voting against flying the Pride flag at its Catholic Education Centre.

With passionate voices on both sides, tensions ran so high that the police even had to intervene at board meetings (now that’s a first!). The motion was ultimately decided by a vote of six against and four in favour. Advocacy groups are now calling on the government to step in, voicing concerns for the well-being of LGBTQ students and staff members. Education Minister Stephen Lecce chimed in by expressing his disappointment, but ultimately chose not to impose a mandate to fly the flag.

The decision has left many questioning the board's motives, arguing that their actions are simply hate disguised as outdated religious beliefs and even calling for defunding the board altogether. On the other hand, others argue that the YCDSB has the right to uphold their religious beliefs and values, suggesting that those who disagree can seek alternatives in the public-school system. Ouch.

This topic is intense – so let’s make like the York Regional Police and dive right in-between!

The Debate Showdown

Side A: It’s time to defund the Catholic School Board, it is clear that they don’t have the best interest of their students & staff

• Not flying the Pride flag is nothing short of hateful and discriminatory. It goes against the very purpose of a school board, which is to foster inclusivity and growth for all students and staff members. Flying the Pride flag is a small but powerful act of love and solidarity, and refusing to do so sends a very clear message.

• Let's call it what it is: hate disguised by religion. Using God and religious beliefs as an excuse to push outdated and harmful values is wrong on so many levels.

• The fact that the CDSB is still publicly funded means that the government should have the power to mandate the flying of the flag. After all, it is the taxpayers who fund their board, and their interests should be represented.

• We can't forget that the CDSB has a troubled history. They were involved in the Residential School System, and it's clear that their interests have never truly been focused on the well-being of their students.

• The CDSB has been publicly funded for over 156 years, but a lot has changed since then. In a multicultural country like Canada, it's time to question why we still have a publicly funded school board dedicated to one specific religion.

• By defunding the CDSB, we send a powerful message that discrimination and exclusion have no place in Ontario's educational system.
  

Side B: The Catholic School Board has the right to make their own decisions that align with their beliefs and values, and those who don’t agree can switch schools

• Just like any other organization or institution, the CDSB has the right to make decisions based on their religious beliefs and values.

• "Cancel Culture" is so incredibly toxic, and we can't just keep threatening to cancel everybody who doesn't agree with us.

• If you don't agree with their decisions, you can simply switch schools and find a school that more closely aligns with your personal beliefs and values. Nobody is forcing anybody to attend any school under the YCDSB.

• The CDSB provides an education based on Catholic teachings and traditions. It is their right to offer an educational experience that reflects their religious identity, and nobody has the right to force them to go against their religious beliefs.

• It is important to respect religious freedom and the rights of religious institutions. Inclusivity should also mean respecting the diversity of religious beliefs. Allowing the CDSB to make decisions based on their religious values fosters an environment where different perspectives can be respected.

• Defunding the CDSB would uproot students and staff members, leaving them without a school to attend or work at if they were suddenly forced to close down.

Key Takeaways:

• The York Catholic District School Board voted against flying the Pride flag at its Catholic Education Centre with a vote of six against and four in favour.

• Advocates and critics have been engaged in a months-long debate over the issue, with police being called to board meetings multiple times.

• Demonstrators shouted at trustees after the vote, while some spectators cheered the results.

• Student trustees expressed disappointment and vowed to continue fighting for student voices.

• Prior to the vote, the YCDSB Gender, Sexuality and Catholic Education Committee presented a report recommending the flag be flown, and that a group be created to support LGBTQ students to address bullying.

• Trustee Elizabeth Crowe highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ students, while trustee Carol Cotton emphasized the need for a deliberate commitment to students' well-being.

• Those who voted against the motion focused on their commitment to God and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Advocates expressed concern for LGBTQ students' well-being and called for intervention from the Ontario Ministry of Education, stating that LGBTQ students and staff are at risk because of the school board's decision.

• Education Minister Stephen Lecce expressed disappointment in the decision, and reiterated the province's support for the LGBTQ community, but stated that he would not force the board to fly the flag by issuing a mandate.

• Pflag, an advocacy group supporting LGBTQ communities, criticized the decision and expressed concerns about the impact on mental and physical health of both students and staff members within the school board.

• The decision has raised questions about the board's support for marginalized communities, such as discrimination against Indigenous students and students of colour. The decision also shined a light on recent programming cuts for children with autism.

• The Pride flag in question is the Progress Pride flag, which includes additional stripes representing Black, Indigenous, people of color, and transgender communities.

Previous Debate

Previous Pulse Results (32 Votes) 📈

Side A 75% - Galloway is speaking facts; young people need to go out into the world if they want to be successful

Side B 25% - Galloway is out of touch with reality, it is perfectly acceptable to stay home in this economy