Sir William Osler Elementary School (Dundas) - Controversies

Controversies

Board trustees voted their approval of the sexual orientation portion of its Equity Policy in June 2008. One of its aims is to ensure that all "policies, guidelines, procedures and practices including but not limited to classroom practices, day-to-day operations and communication practices, are anti-homophobic and anti-heterosexist." The official name of this portion of the policy is Equity Policy-Supporting Guidelines: Sexual Orientation. The policy can be found on the Board website here. The policy also covers anti-racism, anti-classism and gender equity. The Board pursued the Equity Policy to demonstrate its commitment to "the principles of equity through inclusive programs, curriculum, services, and operations, in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Education Act."

During an extensive consultation process, groups both in favour and opposed to the sexual orientation guideline had input. The most vocal opposition came from groups and individuals with conservative viewpoints, who gave input to the Board at consultation meetings in the two years prior to the policy’s approval. This led to the formation of a group called Public Education Advocates for Christian Equity to express Biblical Christian views to the Board. The group does not want their children exposed to the teaching of content related to sexual orientation as viewed by the Equity Policy.

Currently all extra-curricular activities in this school board will be paused until the controversial Bill 115 is repealed.

On February 22, 2013, veteran HWDSB trustee Judith Bishop was sued by a parent in Ward 1 & 2 (which she represents). She is accused of allegedly breaching the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. The prosecution alleges that Bishop had a financial interest in the decision to close Prince Philip, a school far from her personal residence, and to spend the proceeds of the sale of Prince Philip in renovating two schools very close to her personal residence. The allegations have not been proven in court. Bishop is to appear before an Ontario Court judge at Hamilton's John Sopinka courthouse on April 30, 2013.