THE ALBERTA STANDOFF ILLUSTRATES VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS
The problem with sarcasm is that a percentage of readers just might actually agree! It could even be parents or teachers or public in general who would endorse whole-heartedly this cynical, acid, sneering post entitled — “Don’t Tell Father”. The way things stand in public education today I would guess that a good number might actually agree that “it would be better if schools didn't tell parents anything.”
I like the post but would have added a disclaimer at the end — eg: ‘Of course, folks, you do realize this is sarcasm! “
Anyway, I think what is being played out here is serious and requires urgent attention. My 3 comments to the story so far:
PARENTAL VETO & PARENTAL SOVEREIGNTY ARE AT STAKE
The Parent Veto is an awesome thing and is constantly under attack by usurpers of parental primacy in education. In 2011 when a surge of votes propelled Alison Redford to instant Premiership of Alberta it was claimed that three promises to the teacher establishment were the key to her electoral success. It was easy for her to quickly find $107Million in extra education funding and to scrap Gr 3 & 6 standardized tests. The third demand — abolish the parent veto — was never accomplished due to parent backlash.
These expanded conditions in the new LGBTQ initiatives seem to undermine parental authority and sovereignty over their minor-aged children. There should be more thought and attention paid to the legal implications, especially since the line of responsibility for a child’s education rests first with the parents and then with the state as a backup service to parents
THE MAIN ISSUE — STATE VS FAMILY
These state initiatives to exclude or diminish families usually come from the Point-of-View of those on the left of the political spectrum. What is happening in Alberta concerning LGBTQ issues illustrates how creeping statism makes its gains at the expense of individuals.
This issue reminded me of Hillary Clinton and her statements last year about how education is a “non-family enterprise” — http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4534543/hillary-says-education-non-family-enterprise
Further related stories about Hillary’s worldview about education and the raising of the next generation are found in these topics as listed — Hillary Clinton against homeschooling, HC – it takes a village quote, “I believe the primary role of the state is to teach, train and raise children”, HC – parents have a secondary role, etc.
Look this up on the Internet (Hillary Clinton – education a non-family enterprise). There was a lot of commentary crystallizing the two sides — state vs family — and this priceless comment stands out: “The education of our children is best served when the family enterprise is fully engaged.”
DEMOCRACY IS NOT JUST SIMPLY RULE BY THE MAJORITY
At least one comment raises the principled point that it’s not only WHAT government does but HOW that’s an issue. There seems to be a “confrontational approach” at play, says the commentator.
In his book — Parental Involvement and the Political Principle: Why the Existing Governance Structure of Schools Should Be Abolished — Seymour B Sarason says that schooling should engage the minds, hearts and voices of parents, students and teachers together. The political principle he discusses is the obvious one of consulting those affected before policies are enacted. It doesn’t appear that the political principle was engaged in this Alberta scenario. But “politics” certainly was!