OCDSB trustee slams decision to cancel drag storytime at school

A planned drag storytime at Mutchmor Public School has been cancelled, prompting sharp criticism from an OCDSB trustee who disputes the board's explanation and suggests political pressure drove the decision.

The event, scheduled for Friday, June 19, was to feature drag performer Adrianna Exposée. The school initially told families the presentation would promote literacy and themes of equity, diversity, and visibility "in a unique and memorable way." It later cancelled, citing concerns about "curricular alignment."

Trustee Donna Blackburn, Ottawa's first openly gay school trustee elected in a municipal election, said the board's public explanation doesn't hold up. She said she is "99.99 per cent sure the principal did not make this decision" and that school leadership is taking blame for a choice made higher up.

"The principal is taking the brunt of what's going on," Blackburn said. She drew on 15 years of board experience for her assessment, though she did not provide direct evidence.

The OCDSB said in a statement that the decision was made "based on a desire to ensure that our Pride Month activities broadly reflect the diverse spectrum of identities, histories, and voices within the 2SLGBTQI+ community" and that presentations have "a direct, clear connection to specific Ontario Curriculum learning outcomes."

Blackburn said she believes the board backed away to avoid criticism from drag opponents. "They thought maybe we'll get bad press, so we better pander to the bigots," she said. She argued elected officials have a responsibility to defend vulnerable students even when unpopular.

The OCDSB remains under provincial supervision after the province removed decision-making authority from elected trustees last year due to ongoing budget deficits.