The Greater Saskatoon Catholic School (GSCS) division has been accused of prejudice after a picture of an email, allegedly from the superintendent, tells teachers not to attend the Rainbow Tent at a Saskatoon children’s festival.. Children .The picture displays an email circulated online Thursday sent to the division's elementary school principals about the Nutrien Children’s Festival (NCF)..The NCF is targeted at children from two- to 12-years-old..According to the festival's website, the Rainbow Tent allows people of all ages to enjoy various activities and events “from Drag Queen Story-time to inclusive dress-up performances filled with colour and fun.”.“Based on the description on the festival website, engagement and participation by our students in that particular onsite offering would not be supported,” said the email, allegedly from Tom Hickey, the GSCS superintendent..“Please be assured that GSCS schools are still welcome to attend the Children’s Festival. However, we ask that you speak personally with the teacher(s) who may be taking students and inform them the Rainbow Tent should not be part of their visit.”. Tom Hickey Catholic School Email .GSCS did not deny the email exists and intends to issue a statement..The email spread on social media platforms, which led to criticism from numerous allies and advocates supporting sexual minorities..“The Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools superintendent of education is currently trying to fuel divide by bullying teachers, students, and chaperones from attending a 'rainbow tent' at the children’s festival in Saskatoon,” tweeted Jack Saddleback, former OutSaskatoon director..“We are still striving for our goal to be inclusive to all children of Saskatchewan, and we could always use the help,” wrote Kyle Drever, NCF board chair..According to Darcie Young from the NCF, the Rainbow Tent is a new addition this year. .However, the NCF offered inclusive programming for several years to provide a welcoming and diverse experience..“Last year, we offered one of the programs that was 2SLGBTQ online because it was an amazing show that was a comic book style, it was a digitally animated show, and it was wonderful,” said Young..Young stated this year they made a deliberate effort to strongly emphasize their goal of welcoming every child to the NCF..“We want to support every child, and that is a work in progress, but now it’s time to step up and do something and provide that safe space, so that’s what we did with the rainbow tent,” said Young..“That’s who we are as an organization, and I think that’s a step in the right direction.”.The Nutrien Children’s Festival is at Saskatoon’s Kinsmen Park from June 1 to 4.
