by Brad Perry
WARNING: This story contains details which may be distressing to some.
New Brunswick’s education minister is weighing in on a school’s decision not to allow a memorial for a late student in their yearbook.
Carson Hoyt died by suicide on June 13, 2021, as he was completing his Grade 9 year at Hampton High School.
Hoyt would have graduated this year and his family wanted a memorial in the yearbook, like the school has done for other students who have died.
However, according to a petition started by his family, the school and the Anglophone South School District chose not to, citing suicide contagion as their reason.
“This decision has deeply hurt his family and friends who believe that Carson deserves to be remembered like every other student who has passed away,” said the Change.org petition, which has garnered more than 7,000 signatures since Wednesday.
“The manner of his death should not diminish his rights to be acknowledged alongside his peers.”
The petition calls on the school and the school district to reverse their decision and allow Hoyt’s memorial to appear in the yearbook.
In a late Friday afternoon statement, Education Minister Bill Hogan said it is important to bring mental health “out of the shadows and into the light.”
“I am strongly encouraging the Anglophone South School District and officials at Hampton High School to work with the Hoyt family to ensure their son, Carson, is included in the school yearbook,” wrote Hogan.
Hogan, a former educator and school principal, said while a lot of work has been put into efforts focused on increasing awareness and reducing shame and stigma, there is still more to be done.
“It is my hope that, with further discussions rooted firmly in empathy and compassion, a path forward for remembering Carson Hoyt at what would be his graduation ceremony will materialize,” he said.
If you or someone you know are in need of help, you can call or text the national Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988.
