Thread by @OntEdWorkers

#AMPA2021 Protest Thread

As a result of some of the statements, and actions, over the past few days, including the ongoing silencing, there are currently a number of members with the below profile picture.

In response to this, the leaders of the meeting, predictably, per the past few days, couldn't leave it alone.

We are now in a sea of red cards pointing out the arbitrary enforcement of rules, more parliamentary schooling, and more people expressing the harm being done.

The house was forced to vote on a challenge to the chair on their ruling. House voted 68% (or so) that the rules should be enforced, and those with the picture up would not be on camera when speaking.

Tells you where OSSTF is right now.

Additionally, many speakers (many racialized persons), have pointed out the irony that this censorship, policing, micromanaging, contradicts what is in our equity statements, our invited guest speaker, and the very report that is on the floor (Addressing Racism in Schools).

Paraphrasing a speaker: "If we can't have the words disrupt white supremacy, decolonize OSSTF in our backgrounds, these words shouldn't be mentioned in any of our documents or business during this meeting".

Red card speaker makes a statement about safety for both sides. Red cards are now referencing Donald Trump.

Red card speaker notes that if the business of the house is so important, stop this micromanaging and get back to it.

NOTE: "Speaker" means someone who has gotten up to the mic. I will use "chair" for the person leading the meeting, and will try to be more clear.

We are in music hold while they (people running the meeting) figure out how to proceed.

Update: Among those speaking out about the micromanaging, silencing, and policing, are EO Colin Matthew, and Muna Kadri.

Update: House re-votes on the issue - now 57% in favour of leaving the signs alone. Progress?

Harvey Bishoff responding to a red card. Harvey declaring he is not offended by the words, is in support of both decolonizing, and disrupting wh. supr.

Harvey agrees there cannot be sides. And that this does not support us, our students, the province.

Reiterates, though, that he does not think reversing the decision on profile pictures will help, and that it may make others unsafe (ed. note: both sides again?).

With no solution, he is pleading (literally). Calls for unity, and turns to those wiser, for a specific solution.

People now speaking on mic:

-Don't be frustrated by red cards, this is necessary before we tackle the anti-racism and decolonizing in our plans and reports.

-Calls for unity are problematic, these issues are not a real priority, if we can't call out white supremacy... etc.

Karen Littlewood, president elect:

-We have to be talking about white supremacy. Those offended by white supremacy: "get over it".

Suggesting: Motion to allow backgrounds, as long as they are not targeting a specific person, or contrary to OHRC.

-More red cards. And a re-challenge to the chair. Chair suggests red cards could step down, then we can deal with the motion on the floor, then we can put the motion to change the rules on the floor.

-Challenge is based on the idea that backgrounds are not "signs" per the rules

-I may not be the best person to editorialize, but the past half hour has been a bit of a white apology tour, and now is moving into white saviourism.

Challenge: 68% uphold the challenge. Backgrounds and profile pics are acceptable.

-Note from a colleague: "They listen to white people."

#AMPA2021 #osstf

-Still listening to the red cards. Currently calling out Robert's Rules, as outdated, and colonial, written by an American general. Why on earth would we still be using them?

-More red cards reminding people not to speak for all racialized people. Calling out people who do not want to be seen as racist - it is showing, and impacts this meeting, colleagues, and most importantly students and children.

#AMPA2021 - Moving back to the motion on the table. Once done, will put a motion to officially change the rules.

-Voting motion on the table now. Motion Carried (Policies out of the Addressing Systemic Racism in Schools report),

-Now motion on the floor to change the rules to allow signage (eg. backgrounds/profile pics).

-No one speaking on the motion...........

-Voting........

-94% Carried. Profile pics allowed.

PLEASE NOTE: (paraphrased from a red card speaker):

The previous challenges from racialized folks failed by a large margin, but the challenge and motion from two white women have passed by a margin, the motion by 94%.

Who is it that we are listening to???!!!

A colleague: "So many of you have been doing the work. Two white ladies get the fucking credit."

And so ends the great #AMPA2021 Decolonize/Disrupt Protest. Thanks for reading, lol.

CLARIFICATION: Karen said "those offended by the WORDS "white supremacy", "get over it". Hope that came through.