Gender Segregation in Ontario Public Schools

Every child has the right to an Equal Education. This petition is addressed to Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and the Ministry of Education and is in regard to Ontario’s Ministry of Education’s policy which places emphasis on boys learning in public schools while discriminating against the learning of girls and relegating the importance and quality of their education to that of secondary status. In doing so, the policy of Ontario’s Ministry of Education is in direct conflict with the United Nations Convention of the rights of the Child, The Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Human Rights Code in Canada. According to the Ontario Human Rights Code posted on the website of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/discussion_consultation/Education?page=Education-I_.html): Education is central to the life of an individual in the community. It provides opportunities for personal, social, and academic growth and development. It sets the stage for later life experiences, most especially in employment. It is also an important venue for integration into the life of the community. Further to this statement, in a section on Human Rights Issues in Ontario's Education System it is noted that: Canada has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes the importance of education in the life of a child. Article 28 of the Convention recognizes the right of the child to education, and requires states to achieve this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity; and Article 29 sets out the aims of such education, including the development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest, and the preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society. This declaration, ratified federally and representing the values of our nation, does not limit the definition of a child to that of a male only, unlike the policy of exclusion put forth in the policy for Ontario public schools. This policy of exclusion will make it easier for the rise of segregated schools within Ontario. A child or a student of either gender must be given equal opportunity to learn. As a tax paying parents and concerned citizens of Ontario, we feel that this is an unconscionable policy that needs to be addressed immediately as it relates directly to the value of equality that is central to the very foundation of the concept of human rights. The argument for such a policy that focuses resources on one gender is specious. Current psychological studies have shown that in the education of a child, personality trumps gender. Gender based favouritism in learning is destined to fail when students are seen solely by their sex, not by their capability. In addition, this new focus directly violates Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119 Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools. Which states as follows: "Ontario’s publicly funded education system supports and reflects the democratic values of fairness, equity, and respect for all.” An equitable, inclusive education system is fundamental to achieving these core priorities, and is recognized internationally as critical to delivering a high-quality education for all learners. A direct quote from the Ministry’s own document, Reach Every Student: Energizing Ontario Education (Toronto: Ministry of Education, Ontario, 2008), p. 8. states: “Equity and excellence go hand in hand. … In a truly equitable system, factors such as race, gender, and socio-economic status do not prevent students from achieving ambitious outcomes. Our experience shows that barriers can be removed when all education partners create the conditions needed for success.” Providing a high-quality education for all is a key means of fostering social cohesion based on an inclusive society where diversity is affirmed within a framework of common values that promote the well-being of all citizens. Ontarians share a belief in the need to develop students as learners and prepare them for their role in society as engaged, productive, and responsible citizens. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others. On April 6, 2009, the Minister of Education released Realizing the Promise of Diversity: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. This document sets out a vision for an equitable and inclusive education system. The action plan contained in the document focuses on respecting diversity, promoting inclusive education, and identifying and eliminating discriminatory biases, systemic barriers, and power dynamics that limit students’ learning, growth, and contribution to society. These barriers and biases, whether overt or subtle, intentional or unintentional, need to be identified and addressed. This letter is being circulated throughout Ontario to all parents of children in the public school system. It will be signed and returned to the Ministry of Education and the Provincial Government of Ontario as an official cry for change regarding the focus on teaching to one gender as a preference to all students and to consider the current barriers the present policy creates for both male and female students alike.