The Ontario government says they are partnering with community organizations to better support 2SLGBTQI+ students and their families.
Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, made the announcement on June 15th and says this is "part of the province’s ongoing efforts to promote an education system that upholds and champions human rights and equity for all students."
The release states that the provincial government recognizes that homophobia and bullying represent serious threats to student mental health and safety. Recently, the province announced that for the upcoming school year, student mental health funding will rise to 80 million dollars. The release also says "Ontario’s funding of mental health programs as part of the Safe Return to Class Fund will bolster support for 2SLGBTQI+ students and help foster safe and inclusive classrooms."
Funding for the Safe Return to Class Fund will supply community organizations with funding to "deliver collaborative, community-based student and parent resources, including targeted mental health counselling for 2SLGBTQI+ youth."
“Our government believes that every student – regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or faith – should feel empowered to achieve their full potential in Ontario’s schools,” says Minister Lecce. “That is why we are working with partners to combat homophobia and advance inclusivity in our schools for Ontario’s 2SLGBTQI+ students. Let us all rally behind the universal message of Pride: love is love.”
“Discrimination, bullying and other forms of hate will not be tolerated in our province,” adds Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues. "I’m proud our government is collaborating with various sectors, including schools, to ensure children and youth in Ontario feel included and supported. It is vital that at such a vulnerable age, students know help is there for them.”
