Some Ottawa parents keep kids home from school due to Pride activities, OCDSB says
CTV
As the Rainbow flag flew at schools across Ottawa on Thursday, the public school board says some parents kept their children home from school due to possible Pride activities.
As the Rainbow flag flew at schools across Ottawa on Thursday, the public school board says some parents kept their children home from school due to possible Pride activities.
Pride month kicked off in Ottawa and around the world on Thursday, a celebration of inclusion, individuality and solidarity with the LGBTQ2+ communities.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and Ottawa Catholic School Board say the Pride flag will fly at all schools and the board offices this month.
On Thursday, Ottawa's public school board reported nine of its schools had absent rates over 40 per cent, with two schools exceeding 60 per cent.
A board spokesperson tells CTV News Ottawa some parents indicated their child would be absent from class due to the possibility of Pride activities.
"Where parents provided information for absences, there were some that kept their children home due to the heat warning in effect. There were also schools with higher absence rates where parents indicated they did not wish to send their children to school due to Pride activities that may be taking place," the OCDSB said.
"We continue our work to ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning spaces for all students and staff.”
