Catholic school division, advocates respond to children’s festival controversy

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has released a statement about an internal email that has caused controversy after it was shared publicly online.

The school division’s director of education, François Rivard, said the letter was not meant to be one of judgment, hate and exclusion. He recognized, however, that many have taken it that way.

His statement, Rivard said, was written to “give clarity and context” to the letter that was shared regarding class field trips to the “Rainbow Tent” that will be at the upcoming Nutrien Children’s Festival in Saskatoon in June.

The letter directed principals to steer classes and students clear of the tent in Kinsmen Park, which is devoted to “artistic, educational, inclusive and diverse programming” for all ages. The festival’s website indicates the tent is appropriate for children ages two to 12, and features “inclusive dress up performances filled with colour and fun.”

Activities inside the tent include drag queen storytime, according to the festival website.

Rivard said the letter has been interpreted in a negative way that does not reflect the beliefs of the school division.

“We acknowledge the deep hurt, and for that, we apologize,” Rivard said in his statement.

Rivard said the division honours parents and caregivers as the first and primary educators of their children, leaving topics like the “development of the human person and interpersonal relationships” for them to discuss with their kids.

“Families who send their children to Catholic schools have a reasonable expectation that the education their children receive is consistent with Catholic teachings and is age-appropriate,” Rivard said. “Therefore, parents and caregivers are best positioned to decide on their children’s participation in this programming within the festival.”

Rivard said the school division welcomes members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“We are committed to true dialogue in order that we may pastorally serve each family based on their unique needs. We strive to build positive relationships with all students,” he said in the statement. “It is not only our imperative as educators, it is our call as Catholics to recognize the inherent, God-given dignity of all persons.”

Saskatoon Pride has shared a comment on the situation, emphasizing that the organization stands against injustices and fights for the voices of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In its statement, the organization said it hopes school staff will be able to share acceptance and unity with their students, and hopes the school division’s administration will consider including and accepting all gender and sexually diverse people.

In a post shared to Instagram, non-profit advocacy group OUTSaskatoon stated that it recognizes the dilemma that teachers, families and others work through when discussing issues related to identity.

“Those conversations are complex and yet critically important for the well-being of children and youth,” the post shared.

OUTSaskatoon’s statement emphasized that creating and sustaining an environment of respect, curiosity and differences requires self-reflection and self-education.

“For these reasons, we find it deeply regrettable that GSCS have issued this directive to limit children’s experiences at the Festival,” the organization wrote. “We encourage GSCS to not be a barrier but rather contribute to health and inclusion in this province.”