The Round-Up: Nov. 4, 2010

• Kudos to the Ottawa-Carleton School District for announcing they will administer a survey to students from grades 7 to 12, which includes questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in order to identify areas for service improvements (via The Advocate). There’s sure to be debate on the fact the survey is confidential but not anonymous, but it’s a step in the right direction.
• Jen at the Ms. Blog argues the new athiest movement isn’t the old boys’ club it’s made out to be.
• The Conservatives might’ve promised new funding to help tackle the shocking situation of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, but are they claiming to support the work of Aboriginal groups publicly while working to squeeze the Sisters in Spirit program behind the scenes? (via Rabble.ca)
• NDP MP Megan Leslie introduced a Private Member’s Bill calling on the federal government to introduce a national suicide prevention strategy, in consultation with provincial and territorial governments and First Nations.
• A mom takes heat from parents at her son’s preschool for letting him dress up as Daphne from Scooby Doo for Halloween.
• Salon’s Broadsheet asks if tweeting about #ihadanabortion is needlessly provocative or empowering?

And just an update for those of you who wanted to know what happened with the Canadian Blog Awards. I’m pleased to announce that Gender Focus placed 5th in the category of Best Culture and Literature Blog, and 4th in the new category of Best Feminist Blog. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to those who voted!