Urgent Concerns: TVDSB's Divisive Ideologies

Your child may be asked to fill out the "Every Student Belongs" Survey

In recent weeks, a troubling initiative has unfolded within the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), sparking concerns among parents and community members. The "Everyone Belongs Student Survey," slated for students in grades 7 through 12, has raised eyebrows due to its intrusive nature and lack of transparency.

Here is a paper copy of the survey:

Paper Survey Students Grades 7 12

394KB ∙ PDF file

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With budgets so tight how do they have the funds to do this survey? How much is the board spending to find out personal questions about our children?

Though the board claims the survey is confidential, it is also linked to the student’s ID.

Do these questions seem intrusive to you?

The Concerns: The survey includes questions about personal identities, such as sexual orientation and gender identity, which many feel are inappropriate for educational institutions to ask students. As parents, we believe that schools should focus primarily on academic achievement. The inclusion of such sensitive inquiries not only oversteps boundaries but also risks prioritizing divisive ideologies over the educational needs of our children.

Moreover, the complete lack of communication with parents regarding the administration of these surveys is deeply concerning. Parents have a fundamental right to be informed about initiatives involving their children, yet the board's failure to notify parents about these surveys demonstrates a disregard for parental involvement and transparency.

Taking Action: In response to these concerns, a parent member of CPAL (Concerned Parents Association of London and Area) has reached out to both the TVDSB and the Ministry of Education, including Minister Stephen Lecce. In their communication to Minister Lecce, they emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure that the TVDSB adheres to directives prioritizing academic achievement and supporting the well-being of students. Divisive ideologies have no place in our schools, and it is imperative that all actions taken by school boards align with these principles.

Call to Action: We encourage all parents to speak up and advocate for the educational rights of our children. We must not allow divisive ideologies to overshadow the primary mission of our schools: providing quality education. Together, let us hold our educational institutions accountable and demand transparency, respect, and a focus on academic achievement. Will you send an email to the board to express your feelings around this intrusive survey?

Please contact those below and voice your concerns about this survey.    

1. Send emails/letters or call your school trustee and superintendent. 

2. Speak with your child’s principal and/or teacher and let them know your child will not be filling out the survey.

3. Contact Minister Lecce: stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org

Sample letter. Please feel free to write your own or customize this letter.

To whomever is responsible for the "Everyone Belongs Student Survey" at TVDSB:

I am writing to you with urgent concerns regarding the inappropriate use of surveys involving students within the TVDSB community.

First and foremost, I am deeply troubled by the decision to administer surveys, such as the upcoming "Everyone Belongs Student Survey," to students in grades 7 through 12. Surveys, in my opinion, should only involve consenting adults, not impressionable students. By subjecting children to such inquiries, particularly those pertaining to personal identities like sexual orientation and gender, the board risks overstepping boundaries and infringing upon the rights of students and parents.

Furthermore, it has come to my attention that this survey will include questions about students' personal identities, including their sexual orientation and gender identity. I firmly believe that the only identity a student should have at school is that they identify as a student.

I strongly oppose the inclusion of questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in the survey. No child should be subjected to inquiries about their personal life by the school board. These are deeply private matters that should be reserved for families to discuss in the privacy of their own homes, not probed by educational institutions.

Moreover, I am dismayed by the complete lack of communication with parents regarding the administration of these surveys. Parents have a fundamental right to be informed about any initiatives or activities involving their children, and the board's failure to notify parents about these surveys is wholly unacceptable.

Schools should focus on providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. By asking students to disclose sensitive information without proper context or parental involvement, the school board risks violating their privacy and undermining the trust between families and the educational system.

I urge the school board to immediately cease all surveys involving students and focus on more appropriate methods of gathering feedback and data from consenting adults. Additionally, I implore the board to improve communication with parents by providing timely and transparent information about any future initiatives involving students.

I appreciate your attention to these urgent concerns and would welcome the opportunity to discuss them further.

Sincerely,

Conclusion: As concerned parents united under CPAL, it is our duty to safeguard the well-being and educational rights of our children. By raising awareness and speaking out against initiatives that prioritize divisive ideologies over academic achievement, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Did you send a letter?