Save Mr. Ashton

##### Thank you for your donations and kind words! The accumulated total goal is now $16350 by August 14. #####

I am a queer teacher candidate in Ontario, Canada. My Faculty of Education did not let me graduate because I came out to my students.

The story is in my video. I've adjusted the subtitles and transcript on YouTube for accessible reading.

Educators have a responsibility to include all students by identifying and removing barriers. The INC credit from my terminated placement is a barrier to my educational achievement and employment. Like any other barrier, it has to be removed.

I do culturally relevant teaching. Where I am, on the Ojibway land of the Fort William First Nation, that means Indigenized content with a focus on Anishinaabe values.

Everywhere I teach, I protect trans kids. I support LGBTQ students' rights to communicate their learning in ways that make meaning for them. My classroom is a Safe Space, and the halls around me are too.

I celebrate climate action victories.

Ontario needs teachers; especially teachers like me. We have been calling for more LGBTQ+ representation in education for decades. Lakehead University must recognize that discrimination occurred and allow me to graduate with all of the honours I've earned.

Discussing me is Safe For Work. Please share my GoFundMe across your professional networks: email your coworkers; DM your work groups; text your old colleagues; play my video on your device in your staff room. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that calling out discrimination is not defamation.

Save Mr. Ashton! LGBTQ+ teachers are allowed to come out to their students.

In light of Dr. Elliot's statement, I have removed most of the FAQ.

FAQ#####

Q: There must be more to this story!

A: Yes.

Q: What do you think about that post on TikTok/Facebook/Twitter?

A: I am grateful for all efforts to Save Mr. Ashton.

Q: Where were the demonstrations?

A: At Lakehead University in the Bora Laskin lobby on April 4 and May 15. At Lakehead University in the Agora on May 15.

Q: I think you should not have challenged the University / I think you should not be talking about this / I think you should not have come out to your students.

A: That's why I need to win.