Catholic board introduces mandatory equality groups

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District Board is rolling out student equality clubs in all secondary schools.

But the title is non-negotiable and students cannot name the groups the "gay-straight alliance" despite the province’s proposed anti-bullying legislation saying the name is acceptable.

Social justice and equity clubs will be mandatory in all Windsor-area catholic high school schools in September.

Board chairperson Barbara Holland said the new groups give students a way to keep safe from all forms of discrimination.

"The only thing that’s important in this issue is the student and is the student getting what they need and when we formed our social justice equity clubs and the policy around that, it was based on student needs not to be bullied, to feel safe, regardless of their difference," Holland said. "What is also important to catholic teachings is social justice and equity, love and so that is what we teach."

The creation of the clubs came after extensive consultation from parents and students, Holland said.

Even if students aren’t interested, the club will remain in place and be staffed, she added.

"The only issue that matters at the end of the day is student safety. This is not a political thing for us. This is about our kids feeling safe at school and do we have to make them feel safe."

Holland said the groups will be supervised by a staff member and the frequency of meetings and the topics will be determined by students.

Martha Daniels, president of the board of directors for Windsor Pride, said lesbian, gay and transgender students have a higher-than-average rate of suicide, so to be included in a group of peers is beneficial.

However, she said "words are important" and wants the Catholic board to use the word "gay" in its club names.

"When those names are not used, they become dark and a reason to hide. That does not contribute to a student's well being," Daniels said. "They need to be named what they are — gay-straight alliances — so all students feel safe and feel they have a place to go for support, care and understanding in their schools."