Domenic Scuglia, Director of Education for the York Catholic District School Board, makes the following statement regarding the bullying and harassment of 2SLGBTQIA+ students in our schools.
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My name is Domenic Scuglia and I am the Director of Education for the York Catholic District School Board. If you are watching this video, I want you to know that you are loved. Jesus told us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in love.”
As a Catholic learning community, we believe that God loves each and every one of us as his own children. And that we called to love each other in the same way. Jesus does not put exceptions or conditions on his love. He just loves.
But humans can sometimes not share our love with others. And sometimes we withhold our love for reasons that are unjust.
In particular, 2SLGBTQIA+ students across this country are saying they are bullied, harassed and discriminated against at school. Sadly, we know that is happening in the YCDSB as well.
As the Director of Education, I am making it clear that this is unacceptable. And there will be consequences.
Some 2SLGBTQIA+ students say they are afraid that they won’t be taken seriously if they report these incidents. I am here to tell you that you will be taken seriously. If you have any doubt, I would ask you to contact the YCDSB’s Office of Human Right, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Or contact my office directly.
For three Board Meetings, the YCDSB has seen adults who have demonstrated the bullying and harassment that 2SLGBTQIA+ students say they face. That is also unacceptable and we are sorry for all those who were hurt by those incidents. We are working to stop this from happening again.
So if you are watching this video, I want you to know that you are loved. You are loved by God and are a valued member of the YCDSB.