- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

A field trip can be the most anticipated event of a school year; a major high school trip the highlight of a school career. So how might the changing and somewhat unpredictable protocols at the U.S border affect international trips for our local students?

The Chair of the Bluewater District School Board, Ron Motz, says "trustees and staff strongly believe that the opportunity for our students to travel is an important part of their personal growth and broadens their perspective of the world." The Board approves all major school trips, sometimes as far as a year in advance, and Motz says because they are "mindful of the risks that can be associated with any travel, whether within Canada or to foreign destinations, ...staff monitor the physical and political climate at any of our trip destinations to ensure that they are aware of potential risks that may not have existed at the time of approval."

Motz recognized the challenges of the new border environment.  "The confusion and uncertainty caused by Mr Trump's ill conceived travel restrictions are things that our staff and parents are dealing with as best they can. Since American courts have blocked his first Executive Order on legal grounds, it can be hoped that his second attempt spells out more clearly who is welcome and who will not be allowed into the United States."

At this point, the Board has no plans to cancel any planned trips to the US.

Mike Bethune, Superintendent of Education for the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, said no cross-border trips are planned for BGCDSB students at this time, but the issue is a significant one that will take consideration. "Equity is very important to us," Bethune emphasized in a phone interview. He said there were policies in place if, for example, a student could not afford to participate in a class or team trip. But this, he admitted, could be different. Students with dual citizenships might have difficulties, or might be affected by the subjective decision of border officials. "This is where our contingency plans for any unexpected situation would come into play," Bethune said, emphasizing that the safety and security of the student would be the top priority.

School boards across Canada have struggled with decisions about cross-border travel after some Canadians travelling on valid Canadian passports have been detained or turned back at the US border.