GUARD Reporting Platform
Examining 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences in York Region's publicly funded schools.
About the Project
We're conducting important research to examine the implementation of equity and inclusive education policies for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in York Region's publicly funded schools. Your voice matters in creating transparency about current experiences and informing future policy recommendations.
Principal Investigators
Patrick A. Mikkelsen, Manager of Research, Pflag Canada York Region
Dina Mayr, Chair, Board of Directors, Pflag Canada York Region
Research Support
Tristan Coolman, Project Advisor, Pflag Canada York Region
Who Can Participate?
We're seeking responses from individuals connected to York Region's school boards:
- Students (current or former) from York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) or York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
- Educators and school staff in York Region
- School administrators and leadership
- Parents and guardians of students in York Region schools
What's Involved?
- Process: Complete informed consent, then receive survey link via SMS
- Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Topics: School climate, policy implementation, professional development, curriculum representation, institutional supports, and barriers to inclusion
- Format: Role-specific questions tailored to your experience (student, educator, administrator, or parent)
This is NOT an Official Reporting Mechanism. This survey is intended to document incidents that have already been reported to appropriate authorities.
Before proceeding, ensure you have reported any incidents through:
York Catholic District School Board
- School staff or trusted teacher
York Region District School Board
- School staff or trusted teacher
Research Purpose & Impact
This data will be used for research purposes only. Your responses will help:
- Create transparency about 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences in York Region schools.
- Document policy implementation gaps and successes.
- Examine tensions between denominational rights and equity mandates.
- Inform evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
- Support advocacy for genuinely inclusive educational environments.
Data Protection & Privacy
- Platform: Secure REDCap system with industry-standard encryption.
- Privacy: Personal information kept strictly confidential and responses are anonymized whenever possible.
- Anonymization: Responses assigned unique codes, not names.
- Storage: Server in Toronto, governed by Canadian privacy laws.
- Retention: Anonymized data kept for 5 years, then securely deleted.
- Publication: Only aggregated data and anonymous quotes used publicly.
Ready to Begin?
Your participation is completely voluntary. You may decline any question or stop at any time.
Next Steps:
- Complete the informed consent agreement
- Receive an SMS with your personalized survey link
- Complete the survey section that matches your role
Results will be publicly available in early 2026.
Questions? Contact us at research@pflagyork.ca
Project funding provided by the Community One Foundation and
Pflag Canada York Region.
Project produced by Pflag Canada York Region.
