I have been asked to respond to questions about faith-based
public schools. I must confess that
these questions have given me some serious pause, not for what they ask, but
for what they imply. So I’ll take this
opportunity to be clear. I am
absolutely supportive of diversity: in
the ways in which we teach our students, in the ways in which people express
themselves, and in the ways in which people live out their faith and
beliefs. I think that faith-based
schools are a fantastic alternative for families who seek to provide a deep
religious education of their children as part of their everyday learning
environment. I am absolutely opposed to
bullying. Period. I think what has made me uncomfortable is
that these questions I have been asked have implied that if I am opposed to
bullying I am threatening someone’s faith.
Is bullying allowed in anyone’s faith?
Maybe someone out there can enlighten me on a religion that tolerates
violence and harassment of children in any school, much less in a school funded
by your tax dollars.
The Edmonton Public School Board has been very clear in its
policies in the past, that there is no reason for violence or threats of
violence to be anyone’s experience in our schools, FOR ANY REASON, and I
wholeheartedly agree. If this offends
you, I can’t comprehend why. If this
seems to indicate that I lack tolerance for your faith, I can’t comprehend why. A friend of mine reminds me that as a
society, Canadians have been clear that we will ameliorate discrimination and
oppression with clarity. The EPSB policy
does that for students who are or have been systemically bullied, and I fully
support their courage and foresight.
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