A woman who was a prominent gender identity advocate and school counsellor has been charged by the PEI RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit with several serious sexual and other offences involving a minor.
The charges were filed at the provincial court in Charlottetown, and include sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching, which were revealed through an investigation initiated by the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit on Sept. 14.
Bethany Jean Toombs, who until recently was listed on the East Wiltshire Intermediate School’s website as a counsellor within the student services team, was arrested on September 24. According to CBC, her name was removed from the school’s staff list by the following morning.
As an activist, she has been a vocal advocate for topics related to gender ideology and has contributed to various educational modules in the Grade 9 PEI wellness and relationship choices curriculum, focusing on subjects like consent, gender stereotypes, and sexual assault.
“Through this presentation and lesson plan, students will develop a deeper understanding of sexual violence and the importance of consent through an exploration of gender (norms, stereotypes, roles, and expectations),” a model in which Toombs is listed as a contributor reads.
“Specifically, students will understand how complex social factors contribute sexual violence in our communities while also working to identify safe and effective alternatives to abusive behaviour.”
CBC News also featured Toombs as an expert on parenting children with anxiety.
“I think when we think of anxiety, we think of the traditional worrier and so we definitely see worrying happening with children at school,” said Toombs.
“Whether it’s the way that they’re talking, or trying to avoid things that scare them. So we definitely see that happening with elementary children including students refusing to come to school or coming to school and saying they need to come home.”
In 2013, Toombs was also listed as hosting an “interactive workshop” and sexual education for youth discussed “potential strategies for ensuring youth have the knowledge and skills they need for healthy decision-making regarding sexuality.”
Former students, identifying themselves on Reddit, have also mentioned Toombs’ role as the head of a Gay Straight Alliance, highlighting her influential position in discussions surrounding youth sexuality and identity.
Adding to the severity of her charges, Toombs faces an additional count of permitting a person under 19 to consume cannabis, contrary to the Cannabis Control Act.
True North reached out to Toombs via social media to allow her to respond to the charges.
The RCMP has reassured the public that they believe the case is isolated to one victim, and there is no ongoing threat to the broader community.
Toombs is scheduled to appear in court again on October 28.
