Pembina Trails School Division pauses student trips to U.S.; decision cites safety, commitment to DEI

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This article was published 14/02/2025 (239 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Pembina Trails School Division has put a pause on student field trips to the United States for the rest of the academic year.

The southwest Winnipeg division informed parents and staff in a letter sent Friday, which said the decision will be reassessed prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

The decision “prioritizes student safety and reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” read the letter signed by assistant superintendent Troy Scott.

“We are committed to an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive, free from racism and discrimination. Through education and engagement, we promote anti-racism and social justice, ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.”

Scott told the Free Press the decision was made at Thursday night’s board meeting after discussion with division leadership and trustees.

“For now, we feel this is the best path moving forward for the collective,” he said, adding a high school band trip to Minneapolis in March is moving ahead as scheduled but all other trip planning south of the border is on hold.

On Wednesday, the Free Press reported the Seven Oaks School Division had cancelled a music trip and was pulling the plug on other student travel to the U.S. for education-related purposes amid heightened political tensions there and an impending trade war with Canada.

Trip planning for Pembina Trails’ 36 schools and approximately 18,065 students takes place each spring for the following year and Scott said the board will re-evaluate its position at that time.

“There’s lots going on south of the border. We just want to be sure that we’re pausing, observing and making good decisions for our kids in the spirit of safety,” he said.

Since being sworn in on Jan. 20, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products, declared his government will recognize only male and female genders and signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, among other controversial actions.

River East Transcona School Division and St. James-Assiniboia School Division said they are monitoring the situation and discussing future student trips to the U.S.

Louis Riel School Division has yet to issue any specific guidance to schools regarding travel to the U.S., but Supt. Christian Michalik said LRSD recently put out a notice to community members to reaffirm its values, including a commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt previously urged teachers and families to consider spending their money closer to home, and said the NDP government is focused on supporting local industries.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca