Here is an announcement from Secular Connexion Séculière (SCS):
Secular Connexion Séculière (SCS) is providing atheist parents with information regarding accommodations to protect the right of their children to freedom from religion.
In Ontario schools accommodations are made for religious practices on a regular basis. These include dietary, dress code, and other modifications to school policy for students. Since human rights are individual rights, these accommodations are generally made on a case by case basis at the request of parents, often with the the support of their religious community.
Every day, the children of non-believers are denied their right to freedom from religion by the playing of the theist lyrical versions of O Canada, and they are often asked to memorize the theist words in both official languages.
SCS has already written the directors and chairpersons of every public school board in Ontario to draw their attention to this matter. The intent of this action was to lay the groundwork for individual parents to apply for the following accommodations:
1. That schools play only instrumental versions of O Canada during opening ceremonies and at school events,
and
2. that non-believing students be allowed to memorize the non-theist version of O Canada that is available on SCS’ website.
I have attached a copy of the letter sent to all school boards and to the Minister of Education. This can serve as a model for parents to write their own letter. [Not available here]
Please make this information and the letter available to atheist parents in your community.
Feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Doug Thomas, President
Secular Connexion Séculière (SCS)
president@secularconnexion.ca