At separate meetings of the Hanover School Division Trustees, presentations were made by Michelle McHale (parent), and Mika Schellenberg (SRSS student) asking Hanover School Division Trustees to re-write their policies to protect LGBTTQI* youth from bullying, to welcome teachers to speak about LGBTTQI* issues in their classrooms, to allow teachers to protect the confidentiality of LGBTTQI* youth who are in conversation with them, and to provide curriculum that is inclusive of same-sex families. SNFC members were present for Mika’s presentation where she received a standing ovation.
At the June 7th public meeting of the Hanover School Division Trustees, each trustee offered a response to the requests of Michelle McHale and Mika Schellenberg. While two trustees spoke strongly in favor of revising policies regarding “Sensitive Content”, others were strongly opposed. As a result of comments made by a few of the trustees, Michelle McHale and her partner lodged a Human Rights Complaint, which is now in process.
From the Media:
- Local mom asks HSD to update policy
- CBC coverage of Steinbach mom’s request
- CBC news: Human rights complaint against Hanover School Division
- Steinbach Online: Read the complaint here.
- The Carillon: Hanover trustees clash on LGBT talk in schools
- Winnipeg Free Press: Trustees clash on LGBT discussions in schools
- CBC news: Hanover trustees in LGBT debate