Quebec police investigate threats after school reveals non-binary teacher prefers Mx. pronoun | PKBNEWS

Police are investigating after a letter to parents about the honorary title of a non-binary teacher was widely shared online, prompting threats and derogatory comments.

The school that hired the teacher sent a letter to parents this week stating that the part-time instructor would be using the Mx. honorific (pronounced Miks) because they are gender neutral.

The director noted in the letter that the Mx. honorific for people who do not identify as male or female is used in English and is widely recognized, including by the Canadian government.

Center de service scolaire des Hautes-Rivières, the school district in southeast Montreal that hired the teacher, confirmed the authenticity of the letter and said it should not have been shared on social media. social.

Céline Falardeau, director of legal affairs and communications for the school district, says the publication of the letter resulted in abusive, defamatory and threatening comments.

Sergeant. Jean-Luc Tremblay of the Richelieu-St-Laurent police department says an investigation began on Wednesday after police received a complaint from the school about threatening online and voicemail messages.

The principal was scheduled to meet with students on Thursday to talk about openness, inclusion and gender identity, and the school district says it is providing the necessary support and coaching to school staff and management.

For his part, Education Minister Bernard Drainville called for calm, telling reporters in Granby, Que., that insults and threats are unacceptable and thought should be given to how students should behave. speak to a non-binary teacher.