Even Alberta hillbillies should have the right to make choices about their children’s education
I always get into trouble with my handlers when I tackle topics like gay rights - so let me begin by stating right up front that I am a very tolerant person. How tolerant am I? I am so tolerant that not only am I tolerant of people who support gay lesbian queer & transgender lifestyles, but also I am tolerant of people who don't support gay lesbian queer & transgender lifestyles.
And, while I am tolerant of Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi (in fact, a big fan), I am not tolerant of his stance on those who oppose the imposition of Gay-Straight Alliances on Alberta schools. Apparently, Mayor Nenshi believes that these people are hate-filled hillbillies who embarrass Alberta on the international stage.
In this op-ed piece in the National Post, John Carpay agrees with me, pointing out that "freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of association are worth little if the government can impose its ideology on every child through a one-size-fits-all public education system".
I agree with John, and I would also add a more practical reason for opposing the imposition of Gay-Straight Alliances on all schools. Schools are far more likely to be effective if everyone concerned - administrators, parents, teachers, and students - is working together as a team towards the achievement of shared goals. But institutions which have goals imposed on them by external forces, especially when those goals are bitterly opposed by some of the participants, are almost certain to lose direction and effectiveness. H/T CT




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