Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce directed school boards across the province to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s death after the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) asked schools to avoid the topic. ."The entire world is marking the profound loss of a graceful and dutiful Queen who dedicated her whole life to the service of our country and the Commonwealth, upon ascending to the Throne at 25 years old,” said Lecce in a Thursday statement. .“We have made clear our direction that all schools are to recognize the profound impact of Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong and unwavering devotion to public service.”.A tip sheet was distributed to YRDSB school administrators speaking about how discussions about the Queen might be “triggering” and the topic should be avoided. .“It is important that schools remain neutral environments,” said the YRDSB. .“Staff raising the topic of the death of a prominent societal figure in a classroom can be triggering for some students and remind them of previous losses they have experienced.” .The memo requested school staff refrain from doing tributes or activities to memorialize the Queen or display objects associated with her to honour her. It said monarchies are “steeped in problematic histories of colonialism which connect to ongoing present day oppression of individuals and groups.”.The statement said Lecce spoke with all school board chairs, directors, and leaders and stated he expects schools to participate in a moment of silence on Monday at 1 p.m. It said students who do not wish to participate do not have to. .“I have directed this board to implement the province's expectation, honour the Queen on the date of her funeral, and enrich students with a strong understanding of the values and enduring legacy of Canada's constitutional democracy,” said Lecce. .Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday Canada will have a national holiday to honour Elizabeth II. .READ MORE: Canada will have national holiday on September 19 to mark Queen's funeral."We will be working with the provinces and the territories to try and see that we're aligned on this,” said Trudeau. .“There are still a few details to be worked out, but declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important.”
