Remembrance Day Disharmony in School 'Inclusivity'

"Over the last few days our school has been the focus of significant public attention due to the recent Remembrance Day events. This has resulted in a  high volume of incoming messages to the school as well as some graffiti on the outside of the school property."

"Fortunately, there has not been any significant disruption to our usual routines and learning environment, thanks in large part to the incredible work of our staff who have continued to focus on our students' educational needs and emotional well-being amidst the external pressures."

"We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where all students feel respected and valued. We are actively working with central school board staff to monitor the situation."

Sir Robert Borden High School Principal Aaron Hobbs

 

"I think they are in general just protesting [demonstration by pro-Palestinian groups in front of her constituency office] but they also want to oppose my position on the inappropriate song on Remembrance Day." 

"I support their right to protest and I am thankful they chose my [riding] office [where their protest took place] and not Sir Robert Borden High School."

Lisa MacLeod, Conservative member of Ontario provincial parliament

Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa. Photo by Ashley Fraser/Postmedia

Fallout from Principal Hobbs' controversial decision to highlight an Arabic song -- associated with Palestinian support for the terrorist group Hamas in the wake of its violent incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when thousands of terrorists went on a campaign of gross carnage in mass rape, mutilation, slaughter of Israeli children, men and women and hostage-taking as a 'just' reaction to the Israeli 'occupation' of Gaza in self-protection against its violent predatory mission to destroy the Jewish state -- featured at Canada's solemn Remembrance Day ceremony at the school, is ongoing.

 

That the school principal viewed it as 'inclusive' to feature an Arabic-language Palestinian song throughout the day's ceremonies at the school, was at the very least an 'exclusion' exercise, in the reality that the school hosts a large number of Jewish students, who were puzzled at the inappropriateness of introducing something so obviously political and one-sided to a ceremony dedicated to the memory of Canadian soldiers who fell in military duty to defend and protect democracy against the forces of fascism.

 

That none of the teaching staff at the high school appear to have cautioned their principal against his decision to have the song played amidst the three presentations at the school for varying grade levels is itself peculiar. The principal initially explained that it was one of the teachers who had suggested that the song might be a good fit for the ceremonies taking place at the school for Remembrance Day. What has resulted days later is the discovery that someone vandalized the school sign with large red lettering reading "Hamas High". 

"We acknowledge that Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion, where the focus should remain on honouring those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we hold dear."

"The inclusion of a song that could be seen as politically charged was not in line with the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold at this school."

School Principal Aaron Hobbs

The controversy ensuing from the principal's poorly-thought-out, and obvious political messaging saw condemnation from parents whose children attend the school, as well as local, regional and national politicians. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has launched an investigation into the incident as the principal, expressing mortification and remorse reiterated that his purpose was to extend to the entire school population a spirit of 'inclusion'; a woke sentiment that seldom works well in its canted practise. 

 

A demonstration by pro-Palestinian groups was planned for the school,  which social media posts publicized as a rally to end "anti-Palestinian racism", and to "stand in solidarity with the students" following the principal's issuance of a public apology for deciding to include the Arabic protest song as a feature of Remembrance Day at the school. Other parents from the school planned for a counter- demonstration to walk their children home through the protest. The Ottawa Police Service were present to ensure an orderly and peaceful event took place. 

 

The location of the rally changed and shifted outside the constituency office of outspoken member of provincial parliament Lisa MacLeod whose riding it is. She had spoken for the principal to be fired in response to his 'inclusivity' venture. The demonstration resulted in no untoward incidents although police recommended that the riding office be closed during the demonstration. 

 

During the initial event when Jewish students asked for an explanation from the school principal for the reason and purpose of the change, he had responded it had been his intention to open up the ceremony that is usually only about "a white guy who has done something related to the military".  An expression of gross misrepresentation, making light of the sacrifice of thousands of Canadians.

"Remembrance Day is a solemn time to pay tribute to Canadian veterans."

"Including a song associated with one side of an ongoing foreign conflict -- especially one currently contributing to division and tension in our communities -- reflects poor judgement for a public school setting."

Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Graffiti on the sign at Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa following a Remembrance Day controversy. Photo by X