I originally started writing this post a few weeks ago as it became apparent that the Alberta Tories would succeed in passing Bill 44. For those who don't already know, Bill 44 gives parents the right to withdraw their children from classes where potentially sensitive material is going to be discussed. This particularly pertains to issues involving sexuality, and some religious matters.
On the one hand, it is rewarding to see more recognition for my role as a parent in deciding what my kids are exposed to. The world can be a pretty crazy place and naturally, I wish to avoid exposing my kids to things that aren't going to help them. However, I find that this usually relates to more tangible risks such as substance abuse and other social matters.
On the other hand, I'm somewhat wary of the government limiting my role as a teacher. The passage of Bill 44 leaves me feeling like I almost need to be watching over my shoulder to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong. This is not the kind of feeling that one should have in a school. I shouldn't have to feel like I have to adhere to certain talking points so that I can avoid offending anyone, or even losing my job.
Education plays a fundamental role in the development of our society. It is not only in our schools but as we interact with those around us that we can better appreciate the world around us. The closed-mindedness that continues to infect healthy dialogue does not in any way help people to resolve differences, or at least accept that people are different.
I'm not about to argue that people hold hands and delude themselves into accepting some false sense of society-imposed harmony. There is generally no harm, however, in being able to learn about what we don't already know. As we are challenged we are made to think for ourselves and form our own opinions. I fear that Bill 44 will lead some individuals to neglect these opportunities for growth and development. That is the real controversy, not necessarily the topics in question.
