The valedictorian at a west Ottawa high school says she’s been told not to come to school Monday after she made pro-Palestinian remarks during a speech at her commencement ceremony.
Elizabeth Yao largely focused on highlights from the past four years at Bell High School during her speech on Thursday, including a memorable waffle fundraiser and the days spent dozing off while reading Shakespeare.
Her comments on the war in Gaza came at the end, after a land acknowledgement.
“As a commitment to truth and reconciliation, I must acknowledge colonial and genocidal atrocities today, including the massacre of more than 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza,” Yao said, breaking off as the crowd cheered.
I’ve written Amanda Presley. You can also write principal Conrad directly through the school contact site https://bellhs.ocdsb.ca/our-school-landing/staff
Principals are bound by Accepting Schools Act, 2012, S.O. 2012, c. 5 - Bill 13 and Bill 14, Anti-Bullying Act, 2011 of Ontario to prevent bullying and intimidation in their schools. A principal who intimidates and bullies her own students cannot carry out her legal duty. This is completely unacceptable behaviour.
Please write to the board. This level of politics is much easier to influence through grassroots activism. A few dozen emails will go far! You can be the change you want to see in the world. Please take 5 minutes and write a short email!