A teacher at an elementary school in Windsor, Ont., allegedly expressed her disgust towards Muslim students for not attending Pride Day and accused them of displaying hatred. In a recording posted online by journalist Élie Cantin-Nantel, the teacher can be heard saying, “I do not want to be part of this school. I am so disgusted with what happened.” She also claimed that the entire school staff and school board share her sentiments.
In response, a student explained that their absence was not due to hate, but rather their choice not to support the event. The student emphasized the importance of following their faith. However, the teacher countered by stating that it was wrong for the students to prioritize their religion over supporting LGBTQ causes.
On June 1, many schools across Canada celebrated Pride Month with activities such as raising pride flags. However, numerous students, particularly those from Christian and Muslim backgrounds, decided to stay home that day due to concerns about discussions on gender and sexuality. The incident in question took place at Northwood Public School in Windsor, and both the school and school board have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
Another incident involving a teacher was reported in Edmonton. In an audio recording circulated online, a teacher from Londonderry Junior High School reprimanded Muslim students for not participating in pride events. The teacher stated that believing in freedom and supporting same-sex marriage was a fundamental aspect of being Canadian, and anyone who disagreed did not belong in the country.
The Edmonton Public School Board acknowledged the recording and mentioned that steps were being taken to address the situation, without providing further details due to privacy legislation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attributed the resistance of Muslim parents towards LGBTQ matters in schools to misinformation and disinformation spread by the American right-wing on social media. He affirmed that there was no aggressive teaching or conversion of children to being LGBTQ, contrary to what was being claimed.
Concerns from parents about pride events at their children’s schools were raised in various parts of Canada during the same month. These concerns included the availability of books on LGBT issues, a temporary tattoo booth, and the screening of a video portraying diverse couples kissing. In an Ontario high school, a Pride Month display showcased a wide range of identities and sexual orientations, including polysexual and demigirl. The school did not respond to inquiries made by The Epoch Times.
The Windsor Islamic Association was asked for comment on the incident involving the Windsor school but did not provide a response. The Council of Imams in London, Ont., issued a statement emphasizing the importance of modesty in their faith and expressing gratitude to the Thames Valley District School Board for allowing parents to exempt their children from pride activities for religious reasons without facing discrimination or hate.