U.S. travel still on hold at many Manitoba schools
CBC
Some Manitoba school divisions have taken a second look at their policies on student travel to the U.S., a year after a few decided to stop approving field trips south of the border.
The Morris-based Red River Valley School Division said in an update to parents on Jan. 29 it will stop all school-sanctioned international travel because of the increasing unpredictability of events abroad, specifically mentioning the U.S.
Superintendent Daniel Preteau said the board's decision was due to "geopolitical tensions," and came as it was reviewing school requests to travel to the U.S. this year.
"We have students, we have staff that are from different ethnic groups, religious groups, beliefs," Preteau said.
"Right now, with the current tensions across the world, we find that our students and staff are safer to travel within our own country."
The board of the Seine River School Division, southeast of Winnipeg, said it made a decision in a recent meeting to continue barring school and staff trips south of the border.
Board chair Christine Roskos said the initial decision was made last year based on the potential of impact of U.S. tariffs and the desire to keep "dollars in Canada," supporting domestic organizations that offer opportunities to students similar to those in the U.S.
"I know that some of our high schools have resumed international travel … offering opportunities in Europe," Roskos said.
There hasn't been "any pushback from our students or staff" on focusing on travel within Canada instead of the U.S., she said.
Roskos said the safety of students was also a concern.
There's "the potential of some of our students … may not feel safe crossing the border," including 2SLGBTQ+ students, she said.
Last February, some Winnipeg school divisions told CBC News they would temporary stop U.S. travel, citing policies from President Donald Trump's administration targeting 2SLGBTQ+ rights.
The Winnipeg School Division and Pembina Trails School Division said Tuesday they're still not approving U.S. trips. A spokesperson with the Louis Riel School Division said its trustee board voted in October to suspend U.S. travel.
The River East Transcona School Division said it's also cancelled U.S. travel.
WARNING: This story discusses child sexual abuse material and contains graphic details of alleged sexual assault
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