CCLA Deeply Concerned by Ontario’s Education Minister’s Memo Limiting Expressive Rights

OTTAWA — Reports indicate that Ontario’s Education Minister has issued a memo instructing educators and school board staff to prevent any political or “divisive” message from being included in graduation ceremonies. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is deeply concerned by this sweeping limitation on the expressive rights of students, educators, and staff—particularly in institutions whose very purpose is to teach young people to think critically and express themselves freely.

“Expression should not be censored by governments, school boards, or schools solely because it is political in nature or could be perceived as divisive,” said Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, CCLA’s Fundamental Freedoms Director. “Political speech plays a unique role in our society, enabling individuals to participate in public discourse, express dissent, and hold those in power accountable. These are precisely the skills and habits of mind we expect our education system to cultivate.”

“Public education should foster, not restrict, the free and respectful exchange of ideas,” Bussières McNicoll added. “We teach our children to question, to analyze, and to speak up—because critical thinking and open expression are essential to democratic participation. Student activism has long been a driving force for social progress, from advocating for lower tuition fees to demanding action on climate change.”

The Education Minister’s memo also sets out the government’s “unequivocal expectation” that all individuals employed within publicly funded education systems refrain from posting “inappropriate or derogatory language” on social media.

“While freedom of expression is not absolute, it is not the Education Minister’s role to police educators’ and staff’s off‑duty expression,” said Howard Sapers, CCLA’s Executive Director. “Individuals do not surrender their right to free expression when they choose to work in publicly funded education. In fact, a healthy education system depends on professionals who can model thoughtful, responsible, and independent expression.”