Mutchmor cancels drag storytime event scheduled for Pride month

Mutchmor Public School in the Glebe has cancelled a planned drag storytime event scheduled for June 19 during Pride month, citing concerns that the presentation had "raised questions about curricular alignment."

Principal Sandy Miller and vice-principal Marc Laliberté said in a letter to families that the event had been intended "to promote literacy and themes of equity, diversity, and visibility in a unique and memorable way." The letter offered no further explanation for the cancellation.

The school said it remains "deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students feel accepted and celebrated" and that themes of acceptance and belonging would continue throughout the school year.

Parent Chris Kamel expressed disappointment: "I was disappointed and a bit confused by the decision. This was an event that had been put on before, was approved by school administrators and was intended to promote literacy and inclusive values. It was unclear in what way this 'raised questions about curricular alignment.'"

Chris Longtin, vice-chair of Pflag Canada, said drag storytime events promote literacy and expose students to diverse identities. "Providing visibility into multiple identities is important, and literacy is important," Longtin said. "Anything that can achieve those goals just makes us a better Canada." He added that cancelling such events "sends a message about who is or is not welcome in a school."

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board did not respond to a request for comment.