Latest news with #WCDSB
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Waterloo Region's Catholic school board passes motion allowing recordings at meetings
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board will allow members of the public to record their meetings again. CTV's Tony Grace explains. People will once again be allowed to record the proceedings at Waterloo Catholic District School board meetings. On Monday night, trustees debated a motion brought forward by trustee Conrad Stanley. 'The Waterloo Catholic District School Board authorizes any member of the public or media attending in its gallery to make their own video and audio recordings of any public board meeting,' the motion read. Recordings of any public school board meeting are generally allowed, but the Catholic board recently made the highly unusual decision to ban the practice. 'It's a public meeting, the public can film,' Stanley explained. Although Monday's meeting was livestreamed, Trustee Marisa Phillips acknowledged that livestreaming technology is not infallible. 'Sometimes the cameras don't always pan to the right people – these things happen. Technical difficulties,' she said. 'Sometimes in other boards I have witnessed meetings, that I have seen for myself, where microphones get accidently muted or something happens and then it just shuts off. We need to have that safety net for those types of occurrences to happen.' Safety concerns The recording ban was partially prompted by safety concerns. In a statement, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board cited a specific incident that left some of its trustees shaken. 'In April 2023, a disruption took place where individuals approached trustees and staff with recording devices in close personal proximity,' the statement said. 'Following this, video and images were shared online in ways that were perceived as targeting meeting participants.' The following September, the board consulted with security experts who recommended hiring trained security personnel, implementing a sign-in and identification process and creating designated safe spaces for meeting participants. The school board said the recommendation also included guidelines banning signs from the boardroom and restricted recording. 'I know that a few of you have brought up the concern about safety,' Phillips said. 'I echo those concerns, however, I have not seen anything since those occurrences that some of you were mentioning have even happened. There's been a wonderful job with the security guards, now we have the border around [the trustees] – we didn't have that before.' She felt passing the motion would enhance transparency and accountability as a whole. 'It shows that we have nothing to hide,' Phillips explained. 'It doesn't matter about technology difficulty or any problems, people can have that record for themselves and the media can do their jobs well.' The motion received the full support of the board. The director of education will now create a formal memo allowing members of the public to record at meetings.
CBC
02-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Kitchener Centre MPP calls on province to take closer look at actions of Waterloo region's Catholic school board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board trustees voted against a controversial flag ban this week. The original motion looked to only allow Canada, Ontario or school board flags to fly on WCDSB properties, preventing the Pride flag from being flown. The motion was defeated — but not before sparking outrage among members and supporters of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The issue also sparked concern with Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy, who made her feelings known earlier this week at Queen's Park.
CBC
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Waterloo Catholic school board trustees vote against proposed flag ban motion
Social Sharing It was a close decision, but Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) trustees voted down a controversial motion to ban many flags from school properties. Silence fell over the board room at the Catholic Education Centre Monday evening as the motion was voted down with five trustees voting against the proposed motion while four others voted in favour. The motion was put forward by trustee Conrad Stanley and if passed, would only allow Canada, Ontario or school board flags to fly or be displayed on WCDSB properties. This would mean the Pride flag, which has been flown at Waterloo Catholic schools since June 2021, would need to come down. This sparked outrage from people, specifically those who are part of or support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. After hearing concerns from peers and students, Stanley began the meeting by handing out an amended motion. The revised document took out any specifics regarding the Pride flag and said students would be permitted to continue expressing themselves freely. Board Chair Renee Kraft said the motion's changes were significant and although she said she appreciated the effort Stanley made following the feedback he received, the original motion would be voted on. As attendees left the building following the decision, people could be seen crying tears of joy and hugging one another while clad in colourful clothing, showing support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. "It means that those kids will now be able to be themselves in our schools. They're able to express themselves to their teachers. The teachers can be there to support whatever is it they're dealing with on a daily basis and that's what the teachers have been about all along," said Patrick Etmanski, local President of the Ontario English Catholic Teacher's Association. However, it wasn't a joyous occasion for everyone in attendance. Gary Alford was in favour of the motion and waited to hear the verdict because, although he has a brethren baptist background, he said his son will be graduating this summer to be a Catholic priest. "What really strikes me is our soldiers fought for our flag, they died for it and it gave freedom to everyone," Alford said. "Now we're being told as of tonight that this school board thinks that isn't enough." Earlier protest Prior to the evening trustee meeting, some Catholic school students in Kitchener walked out of class Monday afternoon to protest the proposed motion. The few dozen students who walked out of class Monday gathered in front of Kitchener's city hall ahead of the meeting. "It's so important for us to have diversity and to have representation of that diversity in our schools," said Raven Leach, a Grade 12 student at St. David C.S.S. WATCH | Students protest motion that would ban Pride flags at Waterloo region's Catholic schools: Students protest motion that would ban Pride flags at Waterloo region's Catholic schools 5 hours ago Duration 2:00 Some students walked out of class on Monday and gathered outside Kitchener's city hall to protest ahead of a Waterloo Catholic District School Board meeting. At the meeting, trustees were expected to discuss a motion to ban all flags and symbols except the Canadian, Ontarian and school board flags. This includes a ban on Pride flags, which were first raised outside Catholic schools in the region in June 2021. The Catholic board first raised the Pride flag in June of 2021. It was a something Leach described as "a really big moment." "It showed us that the Catholic view was that we were accepted. Maybe they didn't agree with it, but we were still accepted as people, as who we are," Leach told CBC News, adding if the board takes the Pride flags down, they're "taking away that message." Aliyah Pooran is a former student at St. David C.S.S. and she said she's protesting for the rights of her younger siblings who are still in the Catholic school system. "There are other kids like me in the schools. They can't even express themselves, they don't have the words or the capacity to understand who they are and that can be really scary," Pooran said. According to trustee Stanley's motion, there is "no need not reasonable justification" for political or identity-based flags. The motion had sparked protests and counter protests ahead of trustee meetings at the Catholic Education Centre in downtown Kitchener. WATCH | H undreds attend a rally ahead of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board meeting: Hundreds attend Pride flag rally ahead of WCDSB meeting 1 month ago Duration 5:30 Hundreds of people attended a rally Monday evening ahead of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) meeting that would address its flag policy. In a notice of motion, trustees discussed banning all flags except Canadian, Ontarian or school board logo flags on WCDSB properties. That would prohibit the use of the Pride flag, something many people at the rally opposed. CBC K-W's Karis Mapp spoke with attendees both for and against the motion. Those who supported the potential motion said it aligned with Catholic values. "We just want to uphold those fundamental values of God that is family and then the procreation in the marriage," said Joshua Hayek, a devoted Catholic and ratepayer who has attended the counter protests. "We're afraid of losing our school system because once all of these different ideas come in, eventually it'll be secularized and they'll just go public." However, those against the policy said it felt like a personal attack on the 2SLGBTQ+ community. "I, myself am Christian, have been raised Christian, my whole family is Christian but I am also queer," Leach explained. "Hearing people use religion as an excuse to hate others has been really hard because Jesus calls us to love everyone." Chair Renee Kraft said they had seeked a legal opinion on how to proceed. "I think moving forward, we've got to focus on unity and what unites us," Chair Kraft told CBC K-W during an interview on The Morning Edition. "We need to figure out what we're doing with this and hopefully put it to rest and then propel ourselves forward, focusing on the things that unite us." WATCH | 2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags: 2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags 14 days ago Duration 0:52 A handful of protestors attended a rally on Monday afternoon ahead of a meeting by trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to address its flag policy. There were people there demonstrating on both sides of the issue. The trustees are debating whether to ban all flags except for the Canadian, Ontario and school board flag from being flown or displayed at schools across the region. If passed, it would mean the Pride flag could not be flown at local Catholic schools. Trustees are set to discuss the motion at a meeting scheduled for April 28. Meeting location With large protests being held outside prior to the past two meetings, people once again gathered outside the Catholic Education Centre. Monday's election also brought additional people to the area as there was a polling station in the same plaza. There were concerns about disrupting voters at the polling station, so the board had planned to move the trustee meeting to Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. But on Tuesday, the board said that "due to an oversight in the director's office" the meeting would be moved back to the Catholic Education Centre as originally scheduled. Board leadership Kraft is new to the position after it was announced trustee Robert Sikora had stepped down from the position at the end of last month. He was replaced briefly by trustee and vice-chair Linda Cuff on an interim basis. Then Cuff put her name forward to serve as chair and tied with fellow trustee Renée Kraft for the role. The position ultimately went to Kraft after names were drawn from a hat to break the tie. After Kraft was named chair, Cuff stepped down from her role as vice-chair of the board. Both Sikora and Cuff continue to serve as trustees.
CBC
28-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Controversial WCDSB flag motion to be discussed during Monday's trustee meeting
Proposed motion has sparked protests and counter protests surrounding the Pride flag Image | Pride flag WCDSB Caption: The Pride flag was first raised outside the WCDSB headquarters in June of 2021. A proposed motion set to be discussed during Monday evening's trustee meeting could see it banned, along with other symbolic flags on school properties. (Paula Duhatschek/CBC) While many remain focused on Monday's federal election, others have a local school board trustee meeting front of mind. Trustees with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will discuss a controversial flag banning motion Monday evening. The motion was put forward by trustee Conrad Stanley and if passed, would only allow Canada, Ontario or school board flags to fly or be displayed on WCDSB properties. That means other symbolic flags, such as the Pride flag, would be banned. This has sparked outrage from people, specifically those who are part of or support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Catholic board first raised the Pride flag in June of 2021. According to trustee Stanley's motion, there is "no need not reasonable justification" for political or identity-based flags. The motion has sparked protests and counter protests ahead of trustee meetings at the Catholic Education Centre in downtown Kitchener. Those who support the potential motion say it's more in line with Catholic values. "We just want to uphold those fundamental values of God that is family and then the procreation in the marriage," said Joshua Hayek, a devoted Catholic and ratepayer who has attended the counter protests. "We're afraid of losing our school system because once all of these different ideas come in, eventually it'll be secularized and they'll just go public." However, those against the policy say it feels like a personal attack on the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Raven Leach is a non-binary, fifth-year student at St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo. "I, myself am Christian, have been raised Christian, my whole family is Christian but I am also queer," they explained. "Hearing people use religion as an excuse to hate others has been really hard because Jesus calls us to love everyone." The motion will be discussed and could be voted on during Monday evening's meeting, but board Chair Renee Kraft says they are seeking a legal opinion on how to proceed. "I think moving forward, we've got to focus on unity and what unites us," Chair Kraft told CBC K-W during an interview on The Morning Edition. "We need to figure out what we're doing with this and hopefully put it to rest and then propel ourselves forward, focusing on the things that unite us." WATCH | 2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags: Media Video | 2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags Caption: A handful of protestors attended a rally on Monday afternoon ahead of a meeting by trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to address its flag policy. There were people there demonstrating on both sides of the issue. The trustees are debating whether to ban all flags except for the Canadian, Ontario and school board flag from being flown or displayed at schools across the region. If passed, it would mean the Pride flag could not be flown at local Catholic schools. Trustees are set to discuss the motion at a meeting scheduled for April 28. Open Full Embed in New Tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. Meeting location With large protests being held outside prior to the past two meetings, it's expected people will again be gathered outside the Catholic Education Centre. Monday's election will also bring additional people to the area as there is a polling station directly across the street. There were concerns about disrupting voters at the polling station, so the board had planned to move the trustee meeting to Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. But on Tuesday, the board said that "due to an oversight in the director's office" the meeting would be moved back to the Catholic Education Centre as originally scheduled. Board leadership Kraft is new to the position after it was announced trustee Robert Sikora had stepped down from the position at the end of last month. He was replaced briefly by trustee and vice-chair Linda Cuff on an interim basis. Then Cuff put her name forward to serve as chair and tied with fellow trustee Renée Kraft for the role. The position ultimately went to Kraft after names were drawn from a hat to break the tie.
CBC
17-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
2nd sudden resignation hits Waterloo Catholic school board as vice-chair steps down
The vice-chair of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has resigned, according to a brief release from the board Thursday. Linda Cuff is one of two trustees for Waterloo/Wellesley/Woolwich. She will retain her role as a trustee but will no longer serve as vice-chair. Cuff is now the second person in a leadership position to suddenly step down from her role. In late March, the chair of the board, Robert Sikora, also abruptly left the role but maintained his position as a trustee. Cuff, as vice-chair, took on the role of acting chair in the couple of weeks before the board could hold a vote. The announcement comes just days after a special board meeting appointed Renée Kraft as the new chair of the board of trustees. Kraft and Cuff were both up for the open position of chair. Kraft told CBC K-W's The Morning Edition Thursday that the voting came to a tie. Following due process, they drew from a hat to break the tie. Cuff's resignation as vice-chair also comes just before a motion to ban political and identity flags in all schools within the WCDSB, including Pride flags. The last two trustee meetings have spurred protests and mixed reviews from residents on both sides of the issue. The motion is set to be discussed in full on April 28 at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School at 455 University Ave. W. in Kitchener. Kraft told The Morning Edition that there would be legal considerations in the mix as they discuss the best way to go about the flag debate. In the same meeting, the board will vote on who will replace Cuff as vice-chair.
