Academics or Activism?

Restoring Neutrality to Education in School District 91

We the following petitioners are associated with school District 91 as parents, voters, taxpayers, citizens, and family or friends of students.  

We agree with the following statements:

1.   We believe public schools should teach academics, not activism.

2.   Public schools should be a socially and politically neutral environment.

3.   All students have the right to feel safe and welcome in school regardless of their political, social, or religious views.

4.   The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of thought, belief, and opinion. These freedoms must apply to all students and community members.

5.   No parent/taxpayer should be invited to remove their child from our public school system because they do not agree with controversial curriculum and/or opinions being imposed on their child in school.

6.   Considering the mandatory nature of school attendance and the power disparity between students and educators, it is unethical for any educator or activist to use public schools as a platform to impose personal views on students or further political/social agendas. 

7.   Such activities should never be endorsed by board members or administration and should be discontinued immediately.

8.   We believe people can have positive and meaningful relationships despite having differing personal views or backgrounds.

9.   Teaching Critical Race Theory (CRT), which divides communities by labeling some community members as privileged and oppressors based solely on the color of their skin is wrong.

10. Public school curriculum should always be public. It is unethical to ever withhold curriculum from parents.

11. We believe all parents of students in District 91 are an essential asset to be consulted and informed, not an obstacle to be censored or avoided.

12. In preparing students for the future, strengthening students’ character is far more important than shaping political or social views.

13. Teaching and modeling positive principles such as integrity, kindness, mutual respect, and empathy, which guide student’s behaviour and thoughts from within, is far more effective than telling students how to behave or what to think.

We request School Board members take action immediately to implement these concepts in School District 91 curriculum, policies, and decisions.

Note: Please only sign this petition if you live within School District 91 boundaries (Vanderhoof, Fort Fraser, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Francois Lake, Grassy Plains, Fort St. James, Decker Lake, Topley, Rose Lake, Cluculz Lake, Fort Babine, Takla Landing, Granisle, Donald Landing, Endako, Pinchi, Tachie)