Saskatoon’s Roman Catholic diocese supports the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) administration following protests sparked by a leaked email last Thursday telling teachers to avoid the LGBTQ-themed Rainbow Tent at a children’s festival.. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Office .The message sent by GSCS Supt. Tom Hickey to school principals advised them to stop students from visiting the Rainbow Tent at the upcoming Nutrien Children's Festival of Saskatchewan, as it was not to be “supported.”.A diocese spokesperson stated while they work with the school division on the well-being of students, the diocese did not provide any instruction about whether or not to visit the Rainbow Tent..In a statement, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon said he supported the GSCS decision to avoid the Rainbow Tent..“I support Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, administration, teachers and staff as they navigate difficult moral and social issues — especially as they affect the lives and well-being of children, young people and their families — as they strive to be faithful to the mission and identity of a Catholic school,” said Hagemoen..The GSCS email received criticism online from people who viewed it as intolerant. .On Monday morning, the GSCS downtown office was vandalized with fluorescent paint splattered on the front windows and butterfly, unicorn, and flower stickers. .Chalk drawings of a rainbow and messages such as “we all belong” and “it's queer here, too” were also found on the sidewalk in front of the GSCS office..The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) issued a statement on Tuesday cautioning against policies that discriminate against students based on their sexuality or gender..STF referenced a 2018 Statistics Canada report that said 30% of those who identify as a sexual minority are between the ages of 15 and 24 years old..“Policies and directives in schools that are not inclusive, or are even discriminatory, directly impact a significant number of students and their families,” STF President Samantha Becotte said in a press release..“This alienates them and removes their ability to feel safe and accepted for who they are.”.The Nutrien Children's Festival takes place in Saskatoon from June 1 to 4 at Kinsmen Park.
