Canadian School Boards Under Fire

Inside Canada’s Anti-LGBTQ2S+ Harassment Surge

In Canada, a troubling shift is unfolding in school board meetings, community gatherings, and online forums. Organized anti-LGBTQ2S+ groups, particularly Action4Canada, have launched targeted campaigns to undermine school inclusivity policies designed to protect and support LGBTQ2S+ students. Originally known for opposing COVID-19 public health measures, Action4Canada has redirected its focus, taking aim at Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) guidelines—resources implemented in 2016 to help educators foster safe and respectful learning environments for all, especially LGBTQ2S+ youth¹.

While these guidelines are voluntary and simply aim to ensure that schools are spaces of respect and belonging, Action4Canada and similar groups have attempted to paint them as tools of “grooming” and “indoctrination.” These accusations, however, are baseless and have been debunked by educators, psychologists, and law enforcement alike. Yet, the group persists, distributing fear-mongering pamphlets at board meetings, filing complaints with local police, and stirring up a sense of urgency and fear among parents. Recently, the Chilliwack RCMP dismissed their claims that school libraries contained explicit materials, recognizing the lack of evidence behind these complaints. Despite this, the resulting confusion and fear continue to impact LGBT+ students and families, many of whom increasingly feel unsupported and unwelcome in what should be safe spaces.

The Real Impact on LGBT+ Youth

The fallout from these harassment campaigns is more than just a policy debate; it’s a threat to the mental health, sense of safety, and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ students and their families. Advocacy Canada’s founder, Wilbur Turner, highlighted how these school board meetings have become hostile spaces, filled with divisive and often damaging language. Many students, for whom school is a refuge to safely explore their identities, now face growing hostility in these supposed sanctuaries. As rhetoric intensifies, so does the impact on students’ mental health and sense of belonging—two factors deeply intertwined with educational outcomes and personal development.

For LGBTQ2S+ youth, the impact of this hostility is profound. When public spaces meant to protect and educate turn combative, marginalized students feel the brunt. Fear-based tactics and the ensuing isolation can push students away from education and foster a sense of alienation in their own communities. These effects aren’t confined to LGBTQ2S+ students; the divisive atmosphere affects all students who are learning the value of empathy, respect, and inclusion.

How Allies Can Support LGBT+ Inclusivity in Canadian Schools

Communities don’t have to stand idly by, nor should they. There are impactful, tangible ways for allies to counter this wave of harassment and ensure that Canadian schools continue to be safe spaces for every student:

1. Attend School Board Meetings: By showing up, allies can help create a welcoming presence that counters the hostility. Board members who champion inclusivity need support too, and a visible show of solidarity can be powerful. Allies can make their voices heard by reinforcing that inclusive policies protect all students.

For those interested in advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion at school board meetings, several Canadian resources can offer guidance:

1. Egale Canada: Egale’s Inclusive Schools program provides workshops, toolkits, and policy guidance to support LGBTQ-inclusive education. It offers resources to help educators and allies counter discrimination in schools, including best practices for school board advocacy. You can explore their resources at egale.ca​.
2. gegi.ca: This Ontario-based platform is designed to empower students, educators, and parents to advocate for gender inclusivity and anti-discrimination policies. It offers a toolkit specifically aimed at helping attendees engage productively at school board meetings, alongside practical tips on navigating common concerns about gender inclusivity policies. Visit gegi.ca for more information​.
3. The Every Teacher Project by Egale Canada: This research initiative gathered insights from Canadian educators on LGBTQ-inclusive education. The findings can equip allies with data and talking points to support arguments for inclusive policies. You can learn more about the project on Egale’s website at egale.ca.²

2. Collaborate with LGBTQ2S+ Advocacy Groups: Groups like Advocacy Canada, Amnesty International, and others are on the frontlines, providing accurate information, resources, and support to schools and families. Donating, volunteering, or even just connecting with these organizations strengthens their capacity to counteract misinformation and protect policies that make schools safe

3. Share Fact-Based Information: Misinformation spreads like wildfire, especially online. Allies can play a vital role by sharing accurate, evidence-based information about SOGI guidelines and inclusivity policies on social media or in community discussions. Writing to representatives or organizing letter-writing campaigns can also amplify support for inclusive policies.

4. Organize or Participate in Community Events on Inclusivity: Hosting or attending workshops, forums, and discussions focused on inclusivity can provide community members a platform to counter divisive rhetoric. These events create a space for open dialogue, help dispel myths, and offer much-needed solidarity to those affected by anti-LGBTQ2S+ campaigns. RainbowEquality holds regular public events.

Standing Up for Inclusive Education

Out takeaway? Amid growing harassment and divisive campaigns, communities across Canada are standing up for an education system grounded in understanding and acceptance. For many, these values aren’t just a preference—they’re the foundation of a safe and welcoming society. By taking tangible actions, allies, educators, and advocates can create a united front, affirming that schools are meant to be places where every child feels valued and safe to be themselves.

Whether through attending school board meetings, supporting advocacy groups, or simply sharing fact-based information, individuals can push back against the harmful agendas of anti-LGBTQ2S+ groups. In doing so, they affirm that inclusivity in education is not just a policy but a principle worth protecting.

1. https://xtramagazine.com/power/school-board-protested-against-inclusivity-guidelines-246821 ↩︎
2. https://pressprogress.ca/rainbow-rallies-how-canada-is-fighting-back-against-a-wave-of-anti-lgbtq-hate/ ↩︎