A protest occurred at Greater Saskatoon Catholic School (GSCS) division office due to a leaked email described as “discriminatory” against the sexual minorities community on Thursday.. Rainbow Tent Street Protest GSCS .This led to a heated conversation between the protesters and the director of education as it began to rain..“There are lots of you that are angry,” said Francois Rivard, GSCS director of education, to the crowd. .“I’m looking forward in continuing to meet with people and connect with people and commit to the professional learning of our staff and how to support students.”.“I don’t like that it’s raining because it doesn’t have as many people out here, but I do know at the end of a storm, there will be a rainbow,” said Rivard..“Talk the talk and walk the walk,” a protestor yelled..“Always have,” said Rivard..“I don’t have another statement at this point. We know we are not there yet and need to continue to grow.”.Sexual minority protestors gathered outside the offices of the GSCS division in downtown Saskatoon to protest the email. .The email instructed elementary school principals to advise their teachers to boycott the Rainbow Tent at the Nutrien Children's Festival from June 1 to 4. .The protestors were unhappy with the boycott..GSCS Supt. Tom Hickey wrote the email and showed a more conciliatory attitude toward the protestors..“I’m sorry. We love you. We love the students that come to our schools,” Hickey told the protestors..“Trust has been broken and that’s fair. There’s lots of you that are angry. I’m looking forward to continuing to meet with people and connect with people.”.The protestors asked Hickey if he would withdraw the statement and permit GSCS teachers to bring their students to the Rainbow Tent..Hickey responded that he was not yet ready to make any commitments. He said the GSCS division was dedicated to understanding how to provide improved support for their sexual minority students.. Rainbow Tent Saskatoon .Saskatchewan Education Minister Dustin Duncan spoke about the leaked email before the rally and said he supported the GSCS decision..“I don’t think anyone is saying don’t take your children,” said Duncan..“I think it’s just a matter that as part of a school trip, it just wasn’t something that was being advised and it really does get back to involving parents in terms of the decision of how they engage their own children with some of these topics.”.“They are well within their rights to make this decision, and frankly, I think most parents would agree with ensuring parents are involved in when and where and in what context some of these conversations take place with children.”.In response to the GSCS boycotting the Rainbow Tent, OUTSaskatoon started a campaign to send 100 “Love Thy Neighbour” T-shirts to GSCS staff and students.. Out Saskatoon GSCS T-Shirts
