Some schools, colleges move to accommodate climate strikes

TORONTO — Students in Canada are expected to participate in climate demonstrations beginning this Friday, and some school boards are moving to allow – even encourage – them to miss class for the cause.

The University of British Columbia, the Toronto District School Board and Montreal’s Dawson College are among the institutions taking measures to support students who plan to walk out of class as part of a global call to action.

The TDSB said it has asked its schools to avoid scheduling tests and other assignments on Sept. 27, to ensure students aren’t penalized academically for participating in a rally outside the Ontario legislature. However, the board noted students under 18 must still obtain parental permission to skip class.

The board’s director of education, John Malloy, said the decision stems from the “large and unique nature of this particular event” and the fact that a number of students have indicated they want to attend, though he could not say how many.

“We see this particular rally as global, as starting from students and generated further by students, and we see it as one that we should consider with parents and with students in terms of their participation,” he said Wednesday.

UBC, meanwhile, said students who plan on taking part in the walkout should discuss possible accommodations with their instructors. Similarly, any faculty members wishing to cancel classes in support of the climate action should inform students in advance, the university said in a statement.

“This strike is a student-led initiative and we acknowledge that many of our students and community members care deeply about this issue. It is inspiring to see so many students take part in shaping their future and use the power of the collective voice to raise awareness of climate change and the need for immediate action.”

The rallies – dubbed Global Climate Strike – are timed to coincide with the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York next week.

The movement is partly inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who has staged weekly demonstrations over the past year under the hashtag #FridaysForFuture, calling on world leaders to step up efforts against climate change.