Ontario minister demands grad ceremonies stay “apolitical” after “anti-colonial” memo
The warning follows Juno News’ report that an Ontario school board directed principals to apply an “anti-oppressive/anti-racist/anti-colonial lens” to this year’s ceremonies.
A week after Juno News’ exclusive report on “anti-colonial” graduation ceremonies in Hamilton schools, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra issued directions to school boards stating that the ceremonies were “not an appropriate forum” to “express political views” or “engage in divisive or contentious issues of any kind.”
In a March 20 letter, Calandra ordered boards to ensure ceremonies remain “strictly student-centred, apolitical, inclusive, and respectful.” Juno News confirmed the letter was sent to educators and board staff in at least three boards: York Region, Peel, and Hamilton-Wentworth.
Calandra says boards must review and, if necessary, revise their graduation protocols to meet that standard.
