September 22, 2023
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 – The Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations (MOFA) unequivocally states our support for and with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Manitoba and across Canada. MOFA notes that the 1 Million March 4 Children represents a further attack on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and strongly considers it an action of hate. MOFA encourages all Canadians to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and continue to create welcoming, open and safe places for all students to learn.
“At a time when educators continue to work tirelessly to create atmospheres where students, faculty, librarians and staff feel welcomed and safe, it is truly frustrating to see hate-filled movements such as this garner attention. MOFA will continue to advocate for and always support 2SLGBTQIA+ rights,” said Allison McCulloch, MOFA President.
“I’d encourage people to look into this a bit deeper, beyond the cynical fear-mongering so convenient at election time. Parents already have extensive rights – they can even request their children not be taught the moderate, evidence-based sex education that is in our curriculum that primarily aims to ensure children are safe and informed,” said Brianne Selman, MOFA council member and University of Winnipeg librarian.
“This is really about taking away basic human rights from students, and frankly is designed to denigrate and discourage the wonderful teachers and educators in Manitoba who do so much to protect and raise up our children. Teachers who continue to do increasingly difficult and complex jobs to meet students’ needs while facing enormous pressure from the small group of people intent on bringing US-style hate-filled politics to Manitoba,” finished Selman.
The Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations (MOFA) is comprised of members of faculty associations from Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface, University of Manitoba, and the University of Winnipeg representing over 1,600 individual academic staff. MOFA is a proud member of the Canadian Association of University Teachers. We are based on both Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.