The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has decided not to participate in this year's Capital Pride parade, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from trustee Donna Blackburn, who argues it sends a damaging message to LGBTQ+ students and staff.
Board Cites Timing of Pride Events
In a statement, the OCDSB explained that while it recognizes Pride Month in June through educational activities in its schools, the Capital Pride events take place in late August, outside the school year. “During the month of June the OCDSB recognizes Pride Month in our schools. Pride Month is about education, celebrating diversity, and fostering inclusive spaces that prevent bullying, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia so that all students and staff feel valued and that they belong,” the statement read. “The City of Ottawa recognizes Pride during the month of August with public events planned for the last week of August. These events do not fall within the school year for our students and staff.”
Capital Pride Confirms No Application Received
Capital Pride executive director Callie Metler confirmed that the organization has not received an application from the OCDSB to participate in this year’s parade. She noted that applications remain open until July 24 and that the board has not communicated its decision or reasoning to Capital Pride. The OCDSB had participated in the parade since 2011, often leading the procession with students and staff carrying large Pride flags.
Trustee Expresses Outrage and Concern
Trustee Donna Blackburn, the first openly gay trustee elected to the OCDSB, said she learned of the decision from multiple staff members and criticized the lack of transparency. “There was no transparency, there was no communication about this,” she said. “I suspect maybe they wrongly thought they could just make this decision and nobody would notice.” Blackburn described herself as “very sad,” “very angry,” and “quite concerned,” arguing that the decision sends the wrong message at a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing hostility. “We’re currently in a time where we do have a small handful, but loud group of far-right people who would want to push LGBTQ rights back,” Blackburn said. “As a school board, as a public entity, they have an obligation to be doubling down against that.”
Recent Controversies and Calls for Reversal
The decision comes weeks after the board faced criticism for cancelling a planned drag storytime event at Mutchmor Public School in the Glebe. Blackburn is calling on the OCDSB to reverse its parade decision, hoping public reaction will prompt reconsideration. “I hope they understand that they made a very big mistake,” she said. Her greatest concern is the impact on young people. “This isn’t about me,” she said. “I’m older now. I had to live through high school where we had to be in the closet. It was not safe to come out.” She stressed that students today should not have to endure the same fear. “For me, this is about making sure that students and staff don’t have to live what I lived, because not being able to be your authentic self is very, very stressful. It’s not good on your mental health, it’s not good on your quality of life. In 2026, we need to ensure that nobody should be ashamed of who they are.”
