Ontario elementary school cancels 'Lightyear' viewing due to 'questionable content'
An Ontario elementary school planning a field trip to the movies this week deemed Disney’s Pixar film ‘Lightyear’ unsuitable for students due to “questionable content,” announcing a last minute decision to see a different movie in a letter to parents.
The animated 'Toy Story' spin-off, with main character Buzz voiced by actor Chris Evans, contains the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple.
The field trip, organized by St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Elementary School in Hamilton, took place on June 22 and the students, ranging in age from junior kindergarten to Grade 3, were initially meant to see ‘Lightyear’ at Cineplex Cinemas.
But in a digital notice delivered to parents, the school informed parents “the movie [junior kindergarten to Grade 3] students are going to see on Wednesday, June 22 has been changed to ‘Sing 2.’”
“This change has been made from the original movie ‘Lightyear’ due to questionable content in this movie that we feel is not suitable for all of our students," the notice read.
The school, in its notice to parents, didn't specify what content it found "questionable" but offered parents the opportunity to get a refund if they no longer wanted their children to attend.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board confirmed to CTV News Toronto in a statement Friday this decision was made.
“The language, humour and overall content of the film was age-inappropriate and not linked to the curriculum,” a spokesperson for the school board said.
Recently, Disney has faced protests from activists and its own staff over what they described as CEO Bob Chapek's slow response in publicly criticizing Florida legislation that opponents dubbed as the “Don't Say Gay” bill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in late March signed the bill, which forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
The moment had been earlier cut from the film but was restored after Pixar employees protested Disney's response to Florida's bill.
Earlier this month, thirteen nations and the Palestinian territory barred the Pixar film from being shown. Nations banning the film include Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, Disney said.
The film's stars have called the move disappointing.
With files from Phil Tsekouras and The Associated Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.