HAMILTON, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (Board) has reversed its suspension of Catherine Kronas from her position as elected School Councillor in a significant victory for freedom of expression.
On July 16, 2025, following a review by the Board’s Human Rights Office, the Board informed Ms. Kronas in writing that her personal statement had not breached its Code of Conduct. She is now free to resume her elected role on the school council.
However, the Board stated that there remains “a concern around the school council climate,” but did not provide any additional details. The Board also reaffirmed its intention to continue opening meetings with land acknowledgements.
Constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir said, “We are pleased to see that the Board has lifted its unconstitutional and unfair suspension of Ms. Kronas’ participation in her child’s school council.”
“The suspension should never have been imposed in the first place, but it is good to see it brought to an end,” he added.
Ms. Kronas responded to the decision by noting that the outcome vindicated her position.
“The Board has acknowledged I did not violate any Code of Conduct and has lifted my suspension. Nevertheless, the Board chose not to respect the council’s bylaws and conflict resolution process, and continues to impose a land acknowledgment,” she said.
“School councils must be free to determine their own meeting content; denying that freedom undermines the autonomy of parent-led governance,” she added.
There are no further legal proceedings expected, and the matter is considered closed.
