WindyJMusic.com
  • Blog
  • Biography
    • Online Curriculum Vitae
  • Bookings
  • Contact
  • Research

Wildrose Actions are Louder Than Words

11/25/2014

3 Comments

 
So I could talk about the floor crossing and the embattled Wildrose Party today, but I've got a better idea.

Let's talk policy.

The Wildrose-proposed amendments to Bill 202 make absolutely no sense to me.

The first time I heard about Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) from a political perspective was from Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose Party.

It was during a scheduled meeting with her immediately after the Wildrose voted against protecting their existence in schools.  She sought out my opinion as a Catholic school teacher about them.

My response was that any initiative that promotes respect and dignity for every person is an initiative that any Christian should want to get behind.  I also suggested that at no time could I fathom a faith-based school saying "no" to a group of kids who want to take that initiative on themselves.

A Christian school (Catholic or not) should want to encourage the teaching that every child is made in the image of God.  A Christian school should also encourage the teaching that we are to love one another as we love God.  A Christian school should also encourage the teaching that the only judgement that truly matters is the one by God, and even if someone makes a poor decision, they are still a child of God and eligible for His forgiveness.  A Christian school should also encourage that we fight for the right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of circumstance.

My school teaches that.  I have been given stories of other faith-based schools that don't, but I'm convinced that most faith-based schools teach that.

So when the Wildrose presents amendments to Laurie Blakeman's Bill 202 suggesting that such initiatives should not be forced upon faith-based schools, I ask "why not?"

If a Christian school is really worried about the term "Gay-Straight Alliance", then it's likely they already have an issue with acceptance among students in their school.  It's such a school that may need a GSA the most.  And if students in the school are comfortable enough, or brave enough, with even suggesting its existence then the school needs to embrace it.

Nothing in a Christian school is unteachable.  In fact, in order for faith to truly develop, it must be challenged. By questioning one's faith, that faith can become stronger. By that very point, in a Christian school everything must be taught, especially the tools students need to strengthen their own convictions and faith. In that way they can understand the facts as they exist, and cultivate a belief system around those facts. The one thing that is most destructive to faith is a lack of action in it. By not challenging your faith, you take no action in it.

So what the Wildrose is in effect asking Christian schools to do is not allow their kids to challenge their faith, and therefore not grow in their faith.  That should upset the parents of those kids, as well as any faith leader they interact with.

I further don't understand why the Wildrose seems to be so adamant about making teachers inform parents of conversations about sexuality, sexual health and religion.  If the spirit of this is to simply keep parents informed, that is an expectation of teachers anyway, so the legislation is redundant.

However, if the spirit of this is to give parents the opportunity to limit their kids education, why not force teachers to also send a note home if they are discussing gender inequality, race or evolution?  If a parent is prejudiced against the First Nations, why not afford them the opportunity to exclude their kids from instruction about them?  If a parent truly believes that the role of a female is to be a servant to their male partner, why not afford them the opportunity to exclude their kids from instruction that promotes the authority of women?  If a parent is prejudiced against the First Nations, why not afford them the opportunity to exclude their kids from instruction about them, or even moreso simply force a school to put their kids in classes with no First Nations students?  If a parent doesn't believe in the scientifically proven concept of evolution, why not afford them to exclude their kids from such instruction (which would basically take them out of every Science class ever).

Eventually we'll see notes being sent home before discussing with students appropriate attire, and kids being removed from school because parents don't believe in sparkly clothing.

At which point, why doesn't the Wildrose just suggest an amendment that befits "ALL" issues Alberta students might be subjected to.  They seemed to be rather content with that definition at their most recent AGM.

Then teachers will be forced under the Alberta Human Rights Act to send a letter to parents before each and every class.  What else would the Wildrose like to see micromanaged?

The issues the Wildrose have to face right now have absolutely nothing to do with who jumps ship when.  It has everything to do with their actions.  And as they recently touted, their actions speak louder than their words.
3 Comments
William Munsey
11/26/2014 01:44:14 am

Great writing, Joel, but let's not forget how many MLAs from the PCs voted against Kent Hehr's motion and who passed Bill 11 in the first place. Not all the denial of rights is under the WRP tent. Let's see who votes for 202 and who doesn't... and who just doesn't show up. My guess is that Danielle Smith will vote in favour. I certainly hope so.

Reply
Doug Boman
11/26/2014 02:32:07 am

Joel. While I don't disagree on the GSA at all in all schools,as you indicate, it is a support group for those like minded people. There are Christian clubs, rocket clubs, travel clubs, science clubs all for those who want to interact and and support one another in a common bond.
So GSA's in schools is a no brainer, regardless of faith based or not.

Where I think the discussion on Bill 202 is needing to focus is on the AHRA section 11.1. In your comments you have already decided and insinuate that parents are prejudiced against something if they want to be informed. If a doctor wants to operate on your child, would you want to be informed beforehand. Obviously.
Why, because you are the parent and are responsible for that child.
That is the law and you can be charged for negligence if you do not look out for their best interest. It has happened even in Alberta. Who knows the best interest of their child better than anyone else? Any answer other than parent is wrong. If someone says otherwise, why not just have children and turn them over to the state at birth? Our greatest human achievements are in the home and in our families, and as a father I am sure you feel that. Regardless of religion, gender, race, etc, we all hopefully want our children to succeed personally and contribute to the benefit of those around them. Parents are best positioned to do that, and are supported by schools, churches, organizations, etc. Unfortunately their are breakdowns in some families and so they need to be supported more. But how can society step in and in trying to address the few, restrict the whole. Also how do we ensure values respectful to all are being taught without bias in schools,etc.
Just because a parent wants to be notified, does not mean they will pull their child and opt out, it does not mean they are homophobic, or anti religion, or anti patriotic. That is disingenuos to say they are.
Perhaps a parent feels their child is not age appropriate for certain discussions on religion, or sexual education. Perhaps they actually do have beliefs that are contrary to what is being taught, and want to approach it in a different manner, not to be less tolerant but in a different way. If a person is religious and does not agree with the content of a sex ed or religion class, it does not mean that same person is going to go around spewing hate, intolerance or demeaning those that do. Many good religious people have family, friends, and loved ones who are same gender, or of different religions and for the most part practice love and understanding for a different point of view. So why limit their right to make decisions on their childs education?
Why is it so important to take that right away from them because you or others don't agree with their perspectives. The topics of sex and religion and patriotism can be sensitive and are basefd on values as well. That is why they should be in the Human rights act and not just the education act. Also 11.1 protects the teacher from frivolous parental situations where incidental references are made to sex, religion, and patriotism, so it does not bind teachers as some would want to believe.

Again I appreciate the GSA is a given to pass in 202, but in an effort to promote tolerance and rights, taking out 11.1 actually promotes intolerance and takes away parental and pupils rights to be informed. You can never give someone rights and take away anothers without a consequence, and further if you start doing that, who determines who gets what rights? Human rights are for all and even if specified, must include all, Black, white, muslim, jew, gay, straight, disabled, male, female, parents, child, etc, etc.
I have tried to say this respectfully and hope it is taken in that light.

Reply
Joel Windsor link
11/26/2014 08:50:56 am

Hi Doug,
I don't disagree with your assertions in the slightest. My point was that teachers should already be expected to keep parents informed. If they aren't doing that, then take issue with that individually with the teacher that isn't doing their job. Legislating it is no more the answer than legislating carpenters to use a hammer on a nail instead of some other tool.
If a teacher is not informing parents of such conversations ahead of their planned occurrence, or after their occurrence in a "teachable moment", there are other more appropriate vehicles than human rights legislation to correct that issue.
Of course, this is my own opinion. But you are absolutely right, the parents are the experts on their children.
Cheers!
Joel

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Tweet
    Picture
    Tweets by @WindyJMusic

    Archives

    April 2019
    March 2019
    October 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    October 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    2013 Flood
    Abuse
    Accountable
    Advocate
    AEMA
    Agriculture
    AHRA
    Airplanes
    Aisi
    Alberta
    Alberta Human Rights
    Alberta Initiative For School Improvement
    Alberta NDP
    Alberta Party
    Alberta School Boards Association
    Alberta Teachers Association
    Alison Redford
    Art
    Arts
    Arts Education
    Asba
    Ata
    ATASC
    AUMA
    Band
    Barack Obama
    Bargaining
    Berm
    Big Listen
    Black Diamond
    Bragg Creek
    Bridge
    Bruce Masterman
    Bruce Mcallister
    Budget
    Bully
    Byelection
    Calgary
    Calgary Centre
    Calgary-Elbow
    Calgary Foothills
    Calgary Sun
    Canada
    Canadian
    Cathy Couey
    Choir
    Christian
    Chuck Shifflett
    Class Of 2014
    Community
    Competency
    Composition
    Concert Bands
    Conduct
    Conservative
    Corporate
    Corporations
    Council
    Councillor
    Craig Snodgrass
    Culture
    Curriculum
    Danielle Larivee
    Danielle Smith
    David Eggen
    David Staples
    Deron Bilous
    Diana Mcqueen
    Didsbury
    Dike
    Dirty Thirties
    Discipline
    Diversification
    Donations
    Don Moore
    Doug Griffiths
    Doug Horner
    Downtown
    Dragan Brankovich
    Drama
    Drp
    DRP Advocacy Committee
    Education
    Elbow
    Election
    Electoral Reform
    Emile Blokland
    Energy
    Environment
    Esrd
    Evan Berger
    Exshaw
    Federal
    Festival
    Fine Arts
    Flood
    Floodplain
    Floodway
    Foothills
    Forced Entry
    Fort Macleod
    Fort Mcmurray
    Fred Horne
    Gay-Straight Alliance
    Golf Course
    Gordon Dirks
    Government
    Grads
    Graduation
    Grassroots
    Green
    Greg Clark
    Greg Weadick
    GSA
    Guitar
    Gun
    Guns
    Hamptons
    High River
    Highway 63
    Highwood
    Homeless
    Honourable
    Hope
    Hotels
    Ian Donovan
    Jamie Kinghorn
    Jazz
    Jeff Johnson
    Jennifer Burgess
    Jim Morgan
    Jim Prentice
    Joe Ceci
    Joel Windsor
    John Barlow
    Justin Trudeau
    Kathy Macdonald
    Ken Hughes
    Kent Hehr
    Kerry Towle
    Keystone XL
    Lake
    Laurie Blakeman
    Legislature
    Liberal
    Liberalberta
    Liberals
    Lions
    Local
    London
    Macleod
    Mayor
    Medicine Hat
    Melissa Mathieson
    Mentally Ill
    Michelle Glavin
    Mitigation
    Mla
    Modulars
    Mount Royal
    Mru
    Municipal
    Municipalities
    Music
    Musical Theatre
    Ndp
    New Year
    NFA
    No Zero
    Nra
    OECD
    Oil
    Okotoks
    Olympics
    Parents
    Parking
    Pc
    Peter Loran
    Philosophy
    Phil Rowland
    Piano
    Pipeline
    PISA
    Police
    Political
    Politics
    Polly Knowlton Cockett
    Portables
    Practice Review
    Premier
    Privacy
    Professional
    Progressive Conservative
    Protest
    Provincial
    Question Period
    Rachel Notley
    Raj Sherman
    Rally
    Rcmp
    Reality Check
    Richard Murray
    Rick Fraser
    Ric McIver
    Rob Anderson
    Robert Prcic
    Sandy Hook
    School
    School Boards
    Scott Wagner
    Self Regulation
    Self-regulation
    Service
    Shane Schreiber
    Siksika
    Socialist
    Speaker
    Stephen Mandel
    Stompin' Tom Connors
    Strings
    Students
    Sustainable Resource Development
    Teach
    Teacher
    Theatre
    Thomas Lukaszuk
    Todd Van Vliet
    Tran-Davies
    TransCanada
    Tripartite
    Trustee
    Twin
    United States
    Urban
    Vocal
    Water
    Water For Life
    Wayne Anderson
    Wedderburn
    Western Wheel
    Wildrose
    William Munsey
    WREM

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    RSS Feed

In my world, we don't accept "I can't." When you enter my world, you enter the realm of "I can't yet." It acknowledges a challenge, opens doors, and calls for action. Then, in my world, we act, and we always find success.

Social Media

Photo used under Creative Commons from Sam Howzit
  • Blog
  • Biography
    • Online Curriculum Vitae
  • Bookings
  • Contact
  • Research