A Liberal Society Needs a Liberal Education

Although it is rare for Provincial Leaders to discuss issues in other provinces, a recent development in our neighbor to the west has compelled me to comment- only because there is now speculation that this may blaze a new trail for all of Canada.  I shudder to think of what that would do to Canadian society were that to happen. 

Last Tuesday the Alberta Conservative Government passed a bill that would allow parents to pull their kids from classroom lessons on human sexuality, religion, and sexual orientation. Those who support the bill do so in the name of ‘parental rights’ and the protection of ‘family values.’ 

A right parents do not have is to deny their children knowledge.  A liberal society needs a liberal education. Children should know that there are many religions with many beliefs, and there are many kinds of relationships adults can have.

Schools are not primarily responsible to parents, they are responsible to children. Opinions about sexuality or religion are something that young people need to develop for themselves. Schools should foster that and give them the tools required to defend their views and to reason well.

Our goal should be to ensure equality of opportunity, and the only way to ensure that is to empower people with knowledge.