Independent Audit of Third-Party Influence on School Boards

We, the undersigned citizens of Ontario, respectfully petition the Government of Ontario as follows:

Whereas school boards are entrusted with the responsibility of delivering a balanced and impartial education to students, free from political or ideological bias, ensuring that young minds are nurtured in environments that foster critical thinking, inclusivity, and fairness;

And whereas concerns have arisen regarding the growing influence of third-party organizations, including activist groups and politically driven bodies, on school board policies, curriculum, and decisions, potentially undermining the neutrality and objectivity of our public education system;

And whereas recent incidents, including the tragic death of Principal Richard Bilkszto following contentious anti-racism training, have underscored the potential harm caused by programs that may promote specific ideological perspectives at the expense of open dialogue and mental well-being;

And whereas the recent appointment of Patrick Case to lead an investigation into the Toronto District School Board has raised concerns due to his established connections to specific equity and anti-racism frameworks, which may compromise the impartiality of the investigation;

Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully call upon the Government of Ontario to:

1. Conduct an independent and thorough audit of third-party organizations and external groups influencing school board policies, curriculum, and decision-making processes across the province, with a focus on identifying political and ideological partisanship.

2. Reassess the role of Patrick Case in leading the investigation into the Toronto District School Board to ensure that the assessment remains impartial and unbiased, preserving the integrity of the process.

3. Ensure transparency and accountability in all educational decisions to protect the core values of neutrality and inclusivity in Ontario’s public education system.

4. Take immediate steps to guarantee that school boards maintain a balanced educational environment where students are encouraged to develop independent thought, free from external political influence or partisan agendas.

We believe that these actions are essential to preserving the trust of Ontario’s parents, students, and educators in the public education system. We ask the Government of Ontario to take these concerns seriously and act in the best interests of our children and their future.