Ontario’s education minister has issued a directive to school boards regarding upcoming graduation ceremonies, emphasizing the avoidance of expressing political views or engaging in contentious issues. The internal memo, signed by Education Minister Paul Calandra, stresses the importance of prioritizing student well-being and maintaining a non-divisive atmosphere during such events.
The memo warns that failure to adhere to these guidelines could have negative implications for students, with Calandra asserting his willingness to utilize all available tools under the Education Act to ensure student welfare. It specifically highlights the need for school boards to hold staff to the same standards expected of students.
When questioned about the memo’s recipients, Emma Testani, press secretary for Calandra’s office, stated that “the letter speaks for itself.” The memo follows a previous incident where a high school student in Ottawa was instructed to refrain from attending graduation after making pro-Palestinian statements during her speech.
Some students have expressed concerns about the directive. Jayden Deskes, a Grade 12 student from Hamilton, voiced apprehension that cultural expressions, such as his Indigenous heritage reflected in his beaded graduation cap, could be viewed as politically divisive. Aowyn Savage, also a Grade 12 student from Hamilton, criticized the memo as stifling young voices and restricting political discourse.
Liezel Navarrete, a Grade 12 student at Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy in Markham, described the message in the memo as “devastating,” suggesting that it suppresses students’ ability to express important perspectives. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) President Martha Hradowy labeled the letter as “out of touch,” emphasizing that educators demonstrate professionalism daily without needing directives from the Minister.
Dan MacLean, the TDSB trustee for Ward 2 Etobicoke Centre, deemed the memo’s language as harsh, noting that staff are already aware of their professional and apolitical responsibilities. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) highlighted that educators are dedicated to student welfare, equity, and human rights, dismissing the need for stringent directives.
The directive comes amidst increased government oversight of school boards in Ontario, with the education minister gaining more authority to intervene in such matters. Currently, eight school boards are under provincial supervision, as indicated on the provincial government’s website.