Discrimination is the differential treatment of an individual or group on the basis of any characteristic.

Michelle McHale came before the Hanover School Division Board of Trustees Tuesday night, concerned about the discrimination against homosexuals in schools, using the omittance of same-sex orientation discussions in sex education as an example. McHale notes the issue came to light when she found her child was being bullied at school based on her sexual-orientation.

Michelle McHale"In an attempt to have the bullying stopped, I spoke with the school principal and a division superintendent. These discussions exposed discriminatory practices occurring within the division relating to sexual orientation and family status."

McHale says it became apparent the division was giving educators direction to not speak about same-sex families in the classroom although they are allowed to speak about heterosexual relationships, which she adds she feels is discrimination. McHale notes an educators religious belief should not influence what is and is not taught in the classroom.

"It's true that there might be some educators who are uncomfortable about presenting that information given personal beliefs, however, given the fact that it's a Human Rights matter, I think the division has a responsibility to support those individuals in getting the appropriate information and support them to be able to deliver that information in a way that feels comfortable to them. So, some educators might have an issue with it but there's lots of support to help people with that kind of shift."

McHale feels silence on the issue is not only discrimination but also damaging and leads to misconceptions about the LGBTTQ community. She adds silence on the matter sends the message there is something wrong with her family by the fact that it cannot be talked about in the classroom.

McHale asked the Board of Trustees to think about five things:
"1. Remember that without inclusion of all human diversity, a safe space for all is not possible.
2. Consider the Human Rights legislation, the Public Schools Act and the comprehensive research regarding the climate in schools for LGBTTQ people.
3. Within the next 30 days, allow discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, in a positive and informed manner.
4. Adopt and be fully compliant with these proposed amendments from the Winnipeg School Division's Diversity and Equity Education Policy for the start of the 2016/17 school year in order to truly be inclusive and respectful of all human rights.
5. Remember, we cannot cite administrative or time challenges as legitimate reasons to ask people to wait for their human rights to be acknowledged."

Superintendent Randy Dueck says the Board heard the presentation for the first time Tuesday night and will discuss the presentation at a later date before making any decisions.