Speaking Out through Letters
 
In the quest for equality and fiscal responsibility in the Ontario school system, it is important that you be persistent and determined in your own letter writing to politicians and others.  Those responsible for the continuation of discrimination in our school system must be pressured into showing uniform respect for the dignity and worth of all Ontarians.
 
The discrimination in our school system is completely indefensible and puts Canada in violation of numerous national and international human rights instruments that are supposed to guarantee equality and freedom from discrimination in this country (see Canada:  Human Rights Leader?).  It cannot be pleasant to incessantly defend that discrimination; it would trigger a reaction of conscience in any decent person.
 
The brush-off, the hand-off, answering a question similar to the one asked, answering a question unrelated to the one asked, or not answering a question at all.  These are all strategies that have found favour with politicians, religious leaders, and others who make much of their commitment to honour the equality of persons or to love their neighbours as themselves, but who sing a different tune when such commitments fail to serve their own perceived self-interests.  Take comfort in knowing that the lack of meaningful engagement from the defenders of the status quo is illustrative of just how morally indefensible it is; any defense is bound to be insufficient and ultimately futile, so some would rather not even try.
 
One of the advantages of organizing in opposition to any injustice is that as a group, patterns of response from the defenders of the injustice quickly become apparent.  Repeated weak arguments quickly become tired and ultimately, those serving them up have to confront their consciences and ponder whether what they are doing is right and just.  Respondents also risk embarrassing themselves when they continue to use dishonest or fallacious arguments and excuses after having been called on them.
 
Here we present a roundup of suggestions for letter writing to different types of individuals and organizations.   Some general suggestions:
 

• Ask a clear and direct question.  If you don't ask a question that requires an answer, you won't get one.  The best you can hope to receive is a "thank you for taking the time to share your views" letter.

• Be as concise as possible, while still preserving the essence of your message.

• Be persistent.  If you don't get an answer to the question asked, or if the recipient answers another question, ask again, explaining that you did not get an answer or that there must be some mistake, as the answer you received did not address the question asked.

• Follow-up.  If the response you receive raises further questions, ask them.  Don't be afraid to ask a respondent how they can justify their response on moral, legal, religious, or ethical grounds.  Correct any misconceptions they might have and offer supporting evidence if possible.

• Prefer letters over email (but email is better than no letter at all).  Postage is not required on letters to federal Members of Parliament.  Be sure to indicate "MP" following the name on such letters.

• Provincial and federal Ministers and the provincial Premier should be addressed as "The Hon." or "The Honourable".  Current and former Prime Ministers should be addressed as "The Right Hon." or "The Right Honourable".

• Relate any personal experiences with discrimination in the school system.  Many Ontarians have experienced discrimination at the hands of separate schools in either admissions or hiring.  Relate how having fewer opportunities and choices than your Catholic neighbours makes you feel.  Relate any hardships suffered by your children (a longer than necessary commute, the effect on friendships with other neighbourhood children) or yourself (financial, convenience) resulting from the discrimination.

• Be polite and stay polite, regardless of how you are treated in turn.

• Have a friend read your letter before sending it.

• Please consider sharing your letters and any responses you receive with us.  As is our policy, we will hold your personal information, including any letters you send us, in complete confidence.  No information will be disclosed by us without the owner's prior consent.

 
Please consider writing the following types of individuals and organizations about the discrimination in the Ontario school system.  Follow each link for a detailed discussion on writing to each type of recipient:
 

• Members of Provincial Parliament (Ontario)

• Family, Friends, and other Potential Supporters

• Print Media (newspapers and magazines)

• Members of Parliament (House of Commons)

• Members of Parliament (Senators)

• Human Rights Organizations

• Religious Organizations

 
Politicians have actually been known to phone people raising questions on this issue, probably to avoid the discomfort of having to prepare a written response.  If this ever happens to you, listen carefully while taking notes; then politely insist that they put everything they just told you into writing on government letterhead.  Hold them responsible for what they say!
 
As a final piece of advice, if you are ever unsure of how to respond to a letter, ask for help.  Ask us or your friends for help in responding.  There is probably plenty of ammunition on this web site to respond to most of the letters you will receive.  If not, let us know and we'll add content to address those shortcomings.
 

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