Alberta Teachers Association wants government to rethink Bill 27

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 5, 2024.

Bill 27 was introduced last Thursday and if it is passed by the provincial government, the Education Amendment Act will support families and students navigating complex conversations around gender identity, sexual orientation, and human sexuality, whilst also supporting continuity in students’ learning during a public health emergency or state of emergency.

At least, according to the provincial government.

But Alberta Teachers Association Jason Schilling disagrees. His stance towards the “potential” of the bill being passed, is that it shouldn’t.

“I know my colleagues deeply value their partnerships with parents and recognize that working together is key to the success and wellbeing of students, and I want to state clearly that the primary concern of teachers always has been, and always will be the safety and wellness of all our students,” said Schilling in a Zoom meeting with reporters.

The association wants all students and family members who identify as gender, or relationship diverse to know that teachers support them and care for them.

It is believed by some that the legislation will undermine the trust and safety of all students and was created as a distraction of the core issue, which is the underfunding of public education.

A requirement of educators is to provide a welcoming, caring, and inclusive environment for students, says Schilling. This legislation will force disclosure of student identities. It is said that this may destroy the trust that students require to feel safe and supported at school, he notes.

The ATA holds a primary policy, voted on by teachers, which explicitly states that they are opposed to any legislation or policy that can expose students to harm, particularly, regarding gender and relationship diversity.

“We stand firmly against measures that require teachers to disclose sensitive information about students’ identities,” says Schilling.

The concern is that students may not be ready to share their identities with their families, as this may cause unnecessary harm and distress.

According to Schilling, research indicates that 2SLGBTQIA+, young people are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide. Any legislation that singles out these youths are not only a danger to the students, but is also irresponsible. Teachers will continue to work closely with parents while respecting the individual needs and rights of the students.

“This policy will discourage critical learning opportunities by adding unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Given that parents have already received notifications and have the right to opt out in the education act, it makes me wonder what is the problem that we are trying to solve.”

This will cause distrust in students towards their teachers when they are meant to engage in diverse and inclusive topics and will discourage discussing important issues, Schilling notes.

This policy will distract from the fact that Alberta has the lowest funding school system in Canada, he says.

Right now, this is the crisis that the ATA would prefer that Albertans focus on and not the proposed amendments to the Education Act. There are overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources for students and teachers, and a lack of mental health support, says the ATA which is requesting that the government rethink this proposal and focus on what they think will be more beneficial to the students.