Wow! What a year!
It was one year ago today that I attempted to raise my concerns about my local school board’s lack of transparency. My presentation was cut short and I was removed from the trustees meeting. The rest is history.
Awareness in Growing
Over the past year, more and more people are realizing that our public school systems are in real trouble. Imposition of radical ideologies, lack of transparency in decision making and persecution of dissenting voices are rampant. Many school boards are averse to openness, honesty and transparency.
Good People are Responding
Thankfully, many good citizens are organizing to address these problems. I am so encouraged by the quality of the people I have met this past year. These good people have been gathering together to discuss these issues and to formulate strategies to improve our schools. They ran for trustees in the municipal elections, started websites and podcasts. Together we are working to recover our democratic right to engage in important conversations.
My Legal Actions Against the Board
As you know, I have launched two legal actions against the Board. Through them, I hope to set precedents that will dissuade school boards from intimidating and silencing diverse thinkers, so that parents and teachers can feel safe to confront their local school boards as their consciences dictate. Here is an update on both cases.
The Defamation Lawsuit
Filed in April 2022, the Defamation Lawsuit is now well in progress but still has a long way to go. I have submitted my Statement of Claim and the Board has submitted its Statement of Defense. Councils are now negotiating the start of the next major phase “Examination for Discovery”. This will likely take place in the Spring of 2023. More than 500 people have supported my GoFundMe campaign so far, raising more than 40% of the needed funds.
The Judicial Review
Filed in June 2022, the Judicial Review is sponsored pro bono by the JCCF and is scheduled to be heard by the court the week of June 5, 2023. Last week I received a copy of the school board’s Defense. In it they argue that suppressing my right to Freedom of Expression was justified, not based on what I actually said, but on their concern about what I might have said, based on their “unique perspective” of my “undertones”. This factum is now posted on my website where you can enjoy the entirety of the Board’s flimsy defense. My goal is to win this case and return to the WRDSB Board meeting to complete my presentation by court order.
Thank you for supporting me during the most tumultuous year of my life.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Burjoski