The class of 2026 is facing an unfair academic situation in Alberta. The first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year was disrupted by a teacher strike in October 2025, which resulted in a three-week break from classes. Consequently, the Alberta Education Department chose to cancel the diploma exams for that semester, recognizing that the disruption had significantly impacted students' learning and preparedness.

However, the decision to still require second-semester students to take diplomas is inequitable and unjust. First-semester students benefited from not having to sit for these pivotal exams due to circumstances beyond their control. Yet, second-semester students, who are part of the same academic year, are forced to undergo the stress and pressure of writing these exams, which will ultimately affect their final grades and their possibilities in post-secondary if they wish to pursue it.

This inconsistency creates a disparity between students from the same graduating class and puts undue stress on those who must now prepare for diploma exams without the accommodations offered to their peers.

Requiring second-semester students to sit these exams creates an unlevel playing field within the class of 2026. By having diploma exams for only half of the students, Alberta Education is inadvertently compromising fairness, equal opportunity, and the mental well-being of its students.

We are calling upon Alberta Education to reassess this decision and extend the cancellation of diploma exams to include the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. This measure would ensure equity within the student body and acknowledge the wider implications of the past semester's challenges.

Sign this petition to demand an educational system that treats all students fairly, reflecting the unforeseen and unmanageable disruptions that have affected their learning journey. 

Credit to the original Anonymous petition starter for the writing.