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Mother says she was shocked by library's all-boys program (update)

The mother of a girl who earlier this week was told she couldn’t sign up for a Timmins Public Library robotics program says boys and girls need to do things together.

The mother of a girl who earlier this week was told she couldn’t sign up for a Timmins Public Library robotics program says boys and girls need to do things together.

Caroline Martel, whose daughter has had thousands of people support an online petition calling for the program to be opened up to girls, said she was disappointed in the library’s response, after it issued a press release announcing that it had changed its position and would be opening the boys literacy program up to girls.

“I’m happy they’re opening it up to everyone, but it wasn’t a misunderstanding. It was pure gender discrimination,” said Martel.

In a release posted to the library’s Facebook page this afternoon, library board chair Michael Doody called the situation a “misunderstanding,” and said the July 20 event will be open to all children between 9-12 years of age.

Doody, who sits as a Ward 4 city councillor, issued an apology on behalf of the library board and staff.

Martel said she was taken aback Tuesday when her daughter Cash Cayen was told she couldn’t sign up for the robotics session because it was part of an all-boys literacy program.

“There might as well have been a sign that said ‘No girls allowed,’” the mother recalled. “I thought we were on a hidden camera show. (I thought) ‘Am I being punked?’”

Martel said she found it all the more surprising given her daughter had signed up earlier in the year for a boys ball hockey team without issue.

“They just went to the finals the day this happened,” said Martel.

The online petition has garnered thousands of supporters, including Andrea Libman, the voice of Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy of My Little Pony fame, who Tweeted her displeasure.

TimminsToday has reached out to both Doody and Elaine De Bonis, the library's assistant director.

Martel said she isn’t sure whether Cash will sign up for the robotics session. She said she would like to see a direct apology to Cash.

She said she and Cash are regular library users and don’t plan on changing that.

“The staff there are phenomenal,” said Martel.

TimminsToday has reached out to both Doody and Elaine De Bonis, the library's assistant director.

Ward 5 Councillor Rick Dubeau said he called the library CEO on Wednesday when he saw Cash's petition.

He said he is glad it has been opened up to boys and girls.

"Plain and simple it has to be for both," said Dubeau.

(PHOTO: Cash Cayen, 9 is pictured. Supplied)