Group calls for removal of 2SLGBTQ+ books in Brandon schools

A delegation is calling for the removal of 2SLGBTQ+ and sex education books from schools in Manitoba’s second-biggest city Brandon. Advocates say safe spaces like schools are now under attack.

“We must protect our children from sexual grooming and pedophilia”

That is Brandon resident Lorraine Hackenschmidt. She attended Brandon School Division’s Board of Trustees meeting Monday, and called for the removal of “transgender books in our school libraries.”

“What effect do transgender books have upon our children? Where are they getting the idea that they are in the wrong body? This is a dangerous path our children are being enticed to go down on,” said Hackenschmidt.

Ashley Smith the director of advocacy for Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg says he is disgusted by what was brought up during the meeting.

“It’s a time to stand up and fight for the rights that we have,” said Smith. “This is a call to arms. If you are a supporter of our community, if you are among the 2SLGBTQ+ community, you need to take notice of what is happening in Brandon and recognize that it could happen anywhere.”

Laura Crookshanks with the Brandon and Area PFLAG group says there are many 2SLGBTQ+ students in school and these books are a source of support for them.

“I think it’s pretty scary when a group of people want to ban books that they personally find objectional based on some pretty skimpy research,” said Crookshanks.

Crookshanks says this puts students at risk. “It removes their resources, it removes their supports, and it is very detrimental to their mental health.”

Chris Hall from McNally Robinson says they do not accept banning books of any nature.

“Books help kids especially work through those questions that they face, and they should be able to explore those things on their own and then chat with their parents on how they are feeling. Taking these resources out of their hands doesn’t solve their questions, doesn’t answer their questions,” said Hall.

Brandon University and Brandon Pride have called out this presentation on social media. Several Manitoba politicians have also taken to social media expressing their concerns about this. Uzoma Asagwara, who is Manitoba’s first non-binary MLA, says this is unacceptable.

“We stand with educators, we stand with librarians, we want all families and students across Manitoba to know that they deserve to be seen and affirmed in books,” said Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba NDP MLA.

Smith is sharing a simple message with the public. “Right now our community is under attack, and you need to make your feelings known and stand up for the community.”