When it comes to schooling, it is very important to be inclusive of all students and not exclude a few others just because certain parents have disagreements.

That was a message Faculty of Education associate professor Robert Mizzi, Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community, and Diversity Education, gave to CBC Radio when asked about some Manitoba Communities demanding books with gender, sexuality, and queer content be removed from schools. It is a message University of Manitoba president Michael Benarroch echoes.

“UM remains clear in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to helping create a province where all feel welcome and able to thrive,” says Benarroch. “Recent events remind us of the importance of sharing our expertise and helping everyone understand the value of representation and empathy. UM will continue to work in allyship with members of 2SLGBTQ* community and we express our sincere gratitude for those taking action in the face of ignorance.”