School Board Elections Have Never Been So Important
There is an active campaign to undermine equity and anti-oppression work in our school boards by Trustee candidates
If you’ve never paid much attention to school boards, you’re not alone. Now is the time to understand the impact Trustees have on our community.
Trustees are responsible for
On October 24, Your voice has never mattered more! If you’ve never voted before - now is the time!
Some candidates are running a campaign of hate. (At least 14 are) They use language that appears neutral, like ‘back to basics’ or ‘parents rights’ or more extreme language such as “indoctrination” or “gender ideology”. This might sound alarmist, but these candidates will make schools less welcoming for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff which can have detrimental consequences.
These candidates may be supported by Blueprint for Canada, FAIR, Campaign Life Coalition, Vote Against Woke and more. These groups are organized, well-funded and trying to influence public education policy in a way that ensures vulnerable students do not feel safe. Many of these candidates are overtly transphobic.
In fact, some of the candidates connected to these groups have been responsible for harassment campaigns, and doxxing students & community members. This has been going on for months.
These candidates would like you to believe that when educators and teachers focus on supporting student wellbeing and creating a positive learning environment, that they are not focused on academic success. This is untrue and research, shows that wellbeing is connected to achievement.
If you think
Then you are part of the answer!
You might be asking:
How can I help?
How do I know what candidates are running on a platform of equitable, safe public schools in Waterloo Regions?
We have a graphic below that shows who has been endorsed by parent and community groups, and education workers. These candidates have taken the time to respond to surveys or have been reviewed by these groups.
If you’ve never paid much attention to school boards, you’re not alone. Now is the time to understand the impact Trustees have on our community.
Trustees are responsible for
- Setting the direction and culture at the board
- Approving policies, the strategic plan, and budget
- Advocating for public education
On October 24, Your voice has never mattered more! If you’ve never voted before - now is the time!
Some candidates are running a campaign of hate. (At least 14 are) They use language that appears neutral, like ‘back to basics’ or ‘parents rights’ or more extreme language such as “indoctrination” or “gender ideology”. This might sound alarmist, but these candidates will make schools less welcoming for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff which can have detrimental consequences.
These candidates may be supported by Blueprint for Canada, FAIR, Campaign Life Coalition, Vote Against Woke and more. These groups are organized, well-funded and trying to influence public education policy in a way that ensures vulnerable students do not feel safe. Many of these candidates are overtly transphobic.
In fact, some of the candidates connected to these groups have been responsible for harassment campaigns, and doxxing students & community members. This has been going on for months.
These candidates would like you to believe that when educators and teachers focus on supporting student wellbeing and creating a positive learning environment, that they are not focused on academic success. This is untrue and research, shows that wellbeing is connected to achievement.
If you think
- Schools should be welcoming spaces for all - including Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled students and staff
- Schools should have clubs for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and fly the pride flag
- Trustees and other leaders must honour the identities and lived experiences of all students
Then you are part of the answer!
You might be asking:
How can I help?
- Share this information with your friends and family. Copy and paste if you want.
- Support our social media campaign on this issue.
- Make a list of your preferred candidates and take it with you to the polling station.
- Learn about the candidates and review their social media including their followers.
- Request a sign to show your support of your preferred candidates.
- Vote on or before Monday October 24.
How do I know what candidates are running on a platform of equitable, safe public schools in Waterloo Regions?
We have a graphic below that shows who has been endorsed by parent and community groups, and education workers. These candidates have taken the time to respond to surveys or have been reviewed by these groups.
How do I vote in Waterloo Region?
All the details can be found on your city or township website.
Kitchener: Click Here
Waterloo: Click Here
Cambridge: Click Here
North Dumfries: Click Here
Wilmot: Click Here
Wellesley: Click Here
Woolwich: Click Here
Is this happening in other places?
Yes, there are candidates across the province running on an anti-LGBTQ, anti anti-racism (racist?) platform. We don’t have the capacity to review all school boards, but our advice would apply to any Trustee race.
Remember that you hold the power in this election. Vote like your children’s and community’s well being depends on it – because it does.
Get Involved Beyond Elections
Were convening a School Action Network later this year. There is a need for more people to be organizing at every school across the region. Please sign up so we can connect you to the network.
All the details can be found on your city or township website.
Kitchener: Click Here
Waterloo: Click Here
Cambridge: Click Here
North Dumfries: Click Here
Wilmot: Click Here
Wellesley: Click Here
Woolwich: Click Here
Is this happening in other places?
Yes, there are candidates across the province running on an anti-LGBTQ, anti anti-racism (racist?) platform. We don’t have the capacity to review all school boards, but our advice would apply to any Trustee race.
Remember that you hold the power in this election. Vote like your children’s and community’s well being depends on it – because it does.
Get Involved Beyond Elections
Were convening a School Action Network later this year. There is a need for more people to be organizing at every school across the region. Please sign up so we can connect you to the network.
