A letter by author and former Humboldt resident Ruby Remenda Swanson has prompted a response from the Horizon School Division. In a submission to a Saskatoon newspaper, Swanson expressed concern about being rejected from an appearance at a high school for a reading from her book “A Family Outing”. The book outlines the experience of Swanson’s son coming out. Swanson says the rejection came after the school reviewed its position with the Ministry of Education’s mandate on the Parents Bill of Rights.

The Division responded saying it continues with its focus on creating safe and inclusive, caring environments in its schools. A statement from the school division says the reading was actually declined prior to the signing of the Parent’s Bill of Rights, not after. As well, a Humboldt Collegiate Institute staff member, acting in what they believed was the best interests of the school and division responded rather than following correct protocols which would have been to involve school or division administration. (discoverhumboldt.com)

Here is the complete statement from Horizon School Division:   Horizon response