Calls for accountability following hostile student protest in Markham – Toronto | 24CA News
There are rising requires accountability following a scholar protest at a Markham, Ont., highschool that turned hostile Thursday afternoon.
Students had walked out of St. Brother Andre Catholic High School to protest the York Regional Catholic District School Board’s choice to not fly the Pride flag for Pride month. But they have been confronted by one other group of scholars who tore indicators, shouted homophobic slurs and threw objects at college students and media.
It’s not solely college students, however York Catholic mother and father who’ve demonstrated a transparent divide over the acceptance of 2SLGBTQ+ youth within the Catholic college system, with the Pride flag controversy entrance and centre.
Ontario’s training minister Stephen Lecce instructed Global News in an announcement “We want 2SLGBTQ+ students to know that we see you, we support you, and we are proud to stand with you, now, more than ever.”
“We have been clear and consistent: every child, most especially 2SLGBTQ+ students, deserves to feel respected, safe, and affirmed in Ontario schools. Our government will continue to support Pride and what it represents.”
But activists like Syrus Marcus Ware query whether or not the province is taking significant motion to supply that secure house for college students.
“It does beg the question: why are we funding a school board that is supporting the idea of debating someone’s right to exist?” he instructed Global News.
“This is why we’re asking for this flag to be hung. When it’s not hung, it sends a message to those students: ‘it’s okay to bully queer and trans students.’”
Christian pastors Keaton Auston and Ron Treacher say whereas they agree with the varsity board’s choice to not increase the flag, they condemn the violence and bullying in opposition to queer college students taking place inside faculties.
“As a Christian, I don’t believe people should be fighting. We should stand on the word of God, believe in principle and walk away,” Keaton stated.
“You can’t go around promoting hate,” stated Treacher. “That’s not what Jesus taught us. Jesus taught us to love one another.”
Global News requested an interview with Toronto archbishop Francis Leo, however he was not accessible Friday.
In an announcement, spokesperson Neil MacCarthy with the Archdiocese of Toronto stated, “As Catholics, we believe that we are all created in the image and likeness of God and as such, every person should be treated with respect and dignity. Regardless of one’s beliefs on this issue or any other matter, any act of physical violence or bullying is unacceptable.
“The archdiocese doesn’t oversee the school boards but certainly we are in regular dialogue with the boards and if we can be of assistance, we will work together as we have in the past.”
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