On September 9, a day after the royal family announced Queen Elizabeth II’s death, York Region School Board sent a memo to schools, giving them guidance on how to handle questions from students and staff about the death. of the monarch. The note reminded teachers that schools must remain “neutral environments” and that discussions surrounding the Queen’s death are “not encouraged” because it could remind students of personal losses they may have experienced. “We ask that school staff refrain from developing tributes or activities to commemorate the Queen’s death, as well as displaying items related to the Queen for commemorative purposes,” the note said. Story continues below ad “For some, the Queen’s death is too inflammatory.” Schools were also instructed not to play “God Save the Queen” or broadcast live events related to the funeral and to offer students a neutral space “to take a break from potential media exposure.”
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In a stern statement, Education Minister Stephen Lecce ordered the school board to reverse the policy and “honour the Queen on the date of her funeral”. “We have made clear our direction that all schools must recognize the profound impact of Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong and unwavering commitment to public service,” Lecce said in a statement to Global News. Trending Stories
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“I have directed this board to implement the province’s aspirations, to honor the Queen on the date of her funeral and to enrich students with a strong understanding of the values and lasting legacy of Canada’s constitutional democracy.” On Tuesday, the Ford government rejected the idea of a provincial holiday for the Queen’s funeral and instead declared a provincial day of mourning along with a minute’s silence at 1pm on Monday. A government spokesman said Minister Lecce also spoke to all school board presidents, principals and council leaders and shared the expectation that “all schools take part in the moment of silence”. Story continues below ad
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In the note to headteachers, the York Region school board further explained the reasons behind its caution to teachers about the role of the monarchy. “Monarchies are steeped in problematic histories of colonialism that are linked to the ongoing oppression of individuals and groups today. It is important to consider how the lived experience of each staff and student may potentially shape their perspective on the monarchy and to respect this,” the note says. The council added, however, that “this is not the time to discuss monarchies” because “the effects of colonialism are pervasive and ongoing.” A school board spokesman said that while schools will mark the Queen’s death by flying flags across the area, the focus for teachers should be to “make sure children are supported while they are in our classrooms”. “In an area as wealthy as ours, there will be different reactions to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and as such we continue to follow provincial requirements to commemorate her death by lowering flags and providing staff members resources to respond. to possible questions from children,” the board said in a statement. 2:15 Ontario will not declare a holiday on September 19 Ontario will not declare a holiday on September 19 © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
