Perspectives on GSAs – Do Better, Be Better

This letter was submitted to the North Bay Nugget by David Killawee in North Bay, ON.

In reference to article “Alberta conservatives vote to end carbon tax, tell parents if child joins GSA”, Monday 07-May-2018, North Bay Nugget.

This letter will be a little long winded so please bear with me. It does come to a point. Many people in this country don’t seem to realize how fortunate we are in this country that independence was gained politically, and that our ancestors did’nt have to go to war against a European power.  Our military personel didn’t gain us our freedoms, but, with the exception of serious crimes against First Nations people, they have defended them.  Thanks to them, and militaries from many countries, no Swastika, Rising Sun, or Hammer and Sickle has flown in the wind atop Parliament Hill.

It’s a mis-conception that during World War 2, a war born of hate and bigotry (and the fear, cowardice, and ignorance that spawn them) and greed, that our military fought to make the world a better place.  That’s at best only partially correct.  The reality is that they mainly fought to keep the world from getting worse, but it’s the nature of war that they could only partially succeed.  “Better” had to wait until the war was over.  They defended us, but the duty to make things better was, and still is, on all of us.  And still we’ve only partially succeeded.  We’ve also slid down into worse with forcing Native children into Residential Schools, Quebec’s language laws, Minimum Mandatory Sentencing, and many other ways.

Now this week of all weeks, this week when we remember those who fought, suffered, and especially those who died, to stop monsters and give us the chance to do better we find yet another group trying to make things worse.

As stated in the article 57% of the UPC ( United Conservative Party) convention delegates voted in favour of having school staff informing parents if their children join certain clubs including GSAs (Gay Straight Alliance), or similar clubs effectively outing these kids.

Regardless of the terms that these delegates use, they’re trying to get teachers to be complicit in their bigotry, and worse, dump the responsibility of putting some of these kids in danger on teachers who would have no recourse but to use a version of “I was just following orders” (that would be the cowardice I mentioned earlier).

This next part of the lettter is directed to the delegates in question.  Delegates who would put these kids at risk from potentially abusive, or situationaly dangerous parents.  Neither you, sitting MPPs, or anyone else have any authority to put children in harms way.  You are not generals who can order soldiers into combat, nor police captains who can send officers into potential firefights.  Anyone, including you, who tries to get this into law or school policy is directly responsible for any harm suffered by these kids, even if the student is over 18, along with whoever does the actual reporting to parents, and is subject to prosecution.  Just putting this into law or policy can endanger some kids and therefore is the crime, so you cannot distance or shield yourselves from prosecution, nor can you claim ignorance of the risk you would be putting some of these kids at.  I’m actually wondering if the 57% can be prosecuted now.  Now I understand that it’s unlikely that some obscure letter in a local Ontario newspaper will have much impact, so I want you to understand that published or not, this letter is also going to the RCMP, Alberta Provincial Police, Ministry of Education, as many Alberta school boards as possible… You get the picture.  I know that there are limits to what I can do to make the world better, but I can do my part to protect these kids from you.

To any students feeling pressured, don’t give up, or give in.  These delegates are making use of fear, intimidation and threat, these are terrorist tactics, it makes them weak not you.  The only power they have is what you give them, so give them nothing.  You win by living on your own terms not their’s.

Do better, be better, honour and remember those who gave us the opportunity and responsibility to make it happen

David Killawee

North Bay, ON

Alberta Budget 2018 Celebrating the Status Quo

In today’s budget announcement the Alberta Government announced  8.4 billion dollars in education funding, keeping their commitment to fund for growth.  This budget is up from 8.2 billion dollars from last year. Funding enrolment growth 2.2% (approx 15, 000 students) but this does not fund for inflation and only covers the instructional cost.

Also announced today was the construction and maintenance of 20 new or modernized schools building through the capital plan, funding for which comes through Infrastructure.

There are no real surprises in todays budget. This government, prior to the 2015 election committed to fund for growth when the previous government had identified education funding cuts.  That news was welcomed then, and while funding for growth is important, Support Our Students Alberta has been waiting for a larger vision and commitment to public education from this government.

The reality remains for many Alberta students, of over crowded classrooms, crumbling infrastructure, under resourced libraries and staff, long bus rides and inequities cause by fundraising required to fill funding gaps.

We can no longer be satisfied with maintaining  the status quo.  This will be this governments last budget before the provincial election.  Next year, Albertans will be voting largely based on what visions are presented to them. Support Our Students Alberta is still waiting for a vision that recommits to public education.

We are waiting for a budget:

  • That focusses public dollars on public schools – Alberta government diverts approx: $260, 000, 000 to private schools.
  • That eliminates barriers such as fees and application procedures for public schools – Strengthen the regulations around Bill 1 an Act to Reduce School Fees, so that access to education programs is equitable and not based on other factors such as socio economic.
  • That fills funding gaps all too often by user fees. – For example transportation fees and needs vary widely across the province and the funding model needs to reflect the differences in the needs between rural boards and urban boards.
  • Creates a framework matrix for superintendent salaries – Similar to other jurisdictions.
  • Collaborates with other ministries (Alberta Health Services & Children’s Services) to meet the growing health needs of children in schools. – Mental health of youth in Alberta is a huge priority and concern for all involved

We will continue to advocate for a full review of the current funding model so that schools no longer need to compete for students to pad their budgets.

We will be watching and listening  very closely over the next year to the promises made in the hopes of winning your votes.  We hope Albertans will demand more than consistent funding, but instead call for the kind of funding that can support and promote an equitable and accessible public education for all Alberta students.

School Board Trustee Check-In

 

It’s been almost 5 months since the Alberta municipal elections, where we elected people to the position of school board trustee across the province.

At this point, trustees have had to disclose all their campaign funding (for Calgary: http://www.calgary.ca/election/Pages/information-for-voters/campaign_disclosures.aspx) , they have had time to get started on some of their campaign promises, and should start to feel at home in the role representing their communities and constituents.

It’s a great time to look at how our elected officials are performing in their new roles, as school board trustees.

  • Have they been attending board/trustee/committee meetings?
  • Have they been engaging with their constituents and community?
  • Have they been attending school council meetings?
  • Have they been participating in board wide initiatives?
  • Have they made any progress on campaign promises?
  • Are they regularly showing up to meetings?
  • Are they easy to reach and communicate with?
  • Are they sharing accurate and relevant board information?

We understand the role of school board trustee in Alberta is a part-time position. We are very pleased to see so many trustees dedicate a lot of time and effort to the role while other’s efforts to fulfill their obligations are lacking.

We are asking our followers, as engaged citizens across Alberta, to look back on the past six months and decide if the promises candidates made during their campaigns are materializing into actions as trustees.

We applaud and recognize the many trustees that have done an excellent job of engaging with their constituents, responding to emails and phone calls, attending school council meetings, showing up to school events, and even publicly standing up in defense of public education funding (We’re looking and applauding you @TrishaEstabrooks!).

However, in some instances it is a challenge to engage and connect with trustees. For example it has come to our attention that residents of Wards 12 and 14 in Calgary are struggling to engage with their CBE trustee Mike Bradshaw. Their emails and calls go unanswered. Meetings go unattended. Election promises unmet. We recognize that family or work obligations can impact a trustee and that there are often extenuating circumstances why someone is not engaging but constituents deserve to have representation as board work proceeds throughout the year.

It’s because of these kinds of concerns we thought it was a good time for citizens across Alberta, to reflect on how their respective trustees are engaging, behaving and representing their constituents.

It’s time to ask questions, it’s time to expect answers.

Democracy is most effective when we engage continuously, including between elections, holding our representatives to account.

Is your trustee engaged, or deadbeat?

Comment below on your experiences.

 

Call to Review Alberta’s Education Funding Model

Silva and Blasetti: NDP needs to review how it funds schools

As we look toward a new provincial budget, conversations around private school funding are circulating again. Organizations aiming to protect public education and the public good are renewing their repeated ask to defund private schools and focus public tax dollars on public schools. We will continue to join this chorus, but we will deepen the request.

Fair Funding for ABED

Over the past few years of our advocacy work, we have observed that the current funding model based on a market model, not only encourages competition between schools/school boards for funding but that unregulated fees for alternative programs, programs of choice, and the funding of private schools, coupled with a reliance on fundraising has widened inequity for students across Alberta.  
 
It should be the mandate of the provincial government to ensure that students in High Level receive access to the same rich and diverse education as students in Elbow Park, Calgary. That every child has access to the same quality education in every corner of this province, irrespective of geography or socio-economic class, and that the public school they attend receives all the necessary resources to achieve that goal. 
It is our position, that years of a market based funding model has diluted the focus and definition of public education. 
 
We would like to see a recommittment and redefining of public education in Alberta, and a funding model that does not widen inequity. Our ask is simply to review the funding model so that schools no longer have to choose between PE teachers or music teachers, desks or smart boards, enter ‘Adopt -A -School contests’, or defer maintenance on aging buildings. 

Keep Going

Knowing there are many groups, organizations and parties actively lobbying to privatize public education we believe now more than ever we must continue to stand and advocate for an equitable and accessible public education system that serves to meet the needs of all students. It is not an easy task. Those who benefit from, and advocate for, a market based system are among the most privileged in our society, with deep pockets.
We aim to counter those voices.
We want to continue advocating.
We want to keep going.
We can do more with your support!
Please consider donating to our volunteer run non-profit organization, so in defence of public education, we can KEEP GOING.
Thank you! 

2017 Annual School Survey

We are pleased to announce our second Annual School Survey is out. The survey will be sent to every school in Alberta that receives public funding. We encourage you to talk to your school administrator about filling out the survey. You can find a copy of the survey at at: SOS Alberta 2017 School Survey Schools have until December 15, 2017 to complete the survey, please contact us at info@supportourstudents.ca if you have any questions. A copy of last year’s survey and our accompanying report can be found at: SOS Alberta 2016 Survey & Annual Report

What Bill 24 Means to Alberta Students and Families

 

On November 2, 2017 the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 24, An Act to Support Gay Straight Alliances. Protecting the privacy & human rights of Alberta youth and supporting GSA’s has been something SOS Alberta has been active on for many months as allies of those who have worked on these issues for years. We are so pleased to see legislators putting forth legislation that puts students at the centre of policies that will ensure the protection of the safety, health and rights of some of our most vulnerable youth.

Calgary student Ace Peace and his mom Lindsay Peace both spoke at the announcement of Bill 24 about their experiences and journey. Their story and the stories of many students and families across the province are what guide and inspire us in our advocacy. Ace and Lindsay have kindly allowed us to post the speeches they shared. We hope every Albertan will read their words and be encouraged to see the great things we can do when we all come together and listen to the voices of those who are far too often silenced.

Hi everyone. My name is Ace Peace. I am seventeen and a grade 12 student in Calgary. I am transgender. This means that I was assigned female at birth but I am a boy. I have always been a boy.

I came out to my mum when I was 15. I was in grade 9. One of the first people we told afterwards was my teacher. She recommended some reading material to my mum. She and I started a GSA at my school. She asked me what name and pronouns I wanted to use and she made a presentation to help tell my classmates. A school psychologist provided me with the information and paperwork needed to change my gender marker. How awesome is that? AND I can assure you that no other students were harmed during this process. Seriously though, I can’t figure out why some people think that this somehow might negatively affect other kids. To those people, please believe me, everyone is fine. No one has had to lose anything or give anything up for this to happen.

I was a bit nervous about going to high school the next year but after going to the orientation day my fears disappeared. There was a huge GSA!! I couldn’t believe how many kids were in it. I came home that day with GSA stickers that said “I love diversity” stuck all over my face. Looking back, that part seems a little silly- but give me a break. I was pretty freaking excited.

Although I was the first openly trans kid at both of these schools, I knew that I wasn’t going to be alone. I knew that I didn’t have to hide. I knew I was going to be okay. I knew that I would be accepted and even more awesome, that my differences and diversity might even be celebrated. I knew that I had allies, friends, classmates and teachers who would have my back.

Although it hasn’t been easy, my journey has been one that I have been surrounded by love, support, and acceptance every step of the way. As time goes on, I have been sad to learn that it’s not always this way for kids like me. Some kids, for different reasons, don’t feel safe to come out. Some kids aren’t as lucky as me to have such an awesome family. For these kids, sometimes GSAs are the only thing they have. GSAs are the ONLY safe place they have. I don’t want to imagine what it would mean for them if they would be outed for attending. I am scared to even think about it.

Being a kid can be tough. Being a queer kid can be even tougher. I can’t understand why anyone would want to make it even more difficult for us. And as much as I try to, I don’t understand what people are so afraid of or what they think happens in a GSA or why it would be necessary for anyone to tattle on a kid for going. It’s pretty simple…there are kids who can’t tell their parents they are queer. Like really can’t. It might even be a safety issue. If that’s the case, they need somewhere to go. There are also kids who are just afraid or nervous to tell their parents but will eventually, especially with the support of other queer kids. There are also straight kids who are just trying to be better people and make a difference in the world. Sometimes we talk about serious stuff. Sometimes we just hang out and chat. Sometimes it’s even a little boring. I don’t understand why this is so scary to some adults. As far as I can tell, it’s only scary if you’re the kid. It’s only scary if you’re the kid and an adult wants to out you and you’re not ready or that would make you unsafe.

I don’t actually like politics. Really, I don’t. It’s way too much arguing and talking for me. I’d way rather listen to music. And truthfully I’d rather be at home listening to music hanging out with my partner right now, just being a kid. But this is too important. And so, politics have become important to me, especially the more I learn. I am proud to be an Albertan. I have travelled all over the world and this is the place I love the most. I am proud of our government. I am proud of MY government. I am proud that I have a voice and that they listen to me. I am just a kid. A queer kid. But they listen to me and kids like me, because we know what we are talking about. We are the ones actually living this while everyone else is arguing about it. I am grateful that my government wants what’s best for me and all kids, that they want us all to grow up to be kind and caring and compassionate. And safe. And I am the most grateful that they know and believe that all kids actually means ALL kids.

I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I am thankful to have a voice. -Ace Peace

Hi everyone. Thank you to Minister Eggen for allowing me the time to speak today. My name is Lindsay Peace, I am the proud parent of three teenage boys, one of whom is transgender. Through Ace’s efforts to live an authentic life, I also have been on a journey of self discovery. It turns out that I am a fierce mama bear, with a lot to say. I have become an advocate for queer kiddos and their families. I have founded a nonprofit organization called The Skipping Stone Foundation that is dedicated to changing to the narrative of trans and gender diverse youth. I have had the privilege and honour of witnessing and walking beside and playing a small part in so many families’ journeys. I feel confident in saying that I speak on behalf of many kids and parents today.

Make no doubt, that as fearful as some critics are of inclusive and protective policies and of comprehensive sex ed, parents of queer kids are much more scared of the alternative. And queer kids are terrified. And unlike the critics, our fear is fact based. Without a doubt,  kids are suffering. Dr Kris Wells recently published a study on trans youth in Alberta. The rates at which these kids are facing discrimination and violence are staggering. This study clearly shows that this population of kids is subject to alarmingly high rates of self harming behaviours and a disproportionately high number of these kids consider and attempt suicide compared to their peers. These are facts.

Having safe and inclusive policies at school will greatly reduce these numbers. GSAs and being able to feel safe attending them will create safer learning environments, for these kids, as well as their peers.

I understand as a parent that I want to know what my kids are doing. I want to know who they are hanging out with, what activities they are engaging in. I want to know the decisions they are making. Because it’s important to me, I talk to them. I ask them. Over all else, I create and maintain open dialogue with them and a sense of safety and security. If for some reason one of my children didn’t feel that they could come to me, with anything, then I believe that is a reflection on me. That’s my bad. And I would need to look at doing things differently. In the meantime I would be grateful if they felt that they could turn to a teacher. The more folks who support my kids and are committed to their health and well being can only be a positive thing. Also, I think it’s important to point out that it’s not an either/or situation. Ultimately, I believe that we are working together. Parents and educators. When it comes to GSAs, specifically to the outing of students, I think there is a misunderstanding that means that parents will never find out. That this will be some sort of dirty little secret between the student and the school forever. I have heard dozens of accounts from families in which it was teachers who actually helped their students disclose their queer identity to their families. I know a former student whose teacher actually helped him write a letter to his parents to tell them he was trans. I know many kids who are queer who spent a long time at their GSA until they became confident enough in themselves to have a conversation with their parents.

I also know that GSAs teach allies how to be better allies, how to be better people. I know that kids learn a greater understanding of the adversity faced by their LGBTQ2+ peers and learn compassion. GSAs allow students an opportunity to be apart of creating positive change. Although I do know as a parent how great it is to hear that our kids are wonderful and doing amazing things, I certainly don’t believe that anyone needs to be outed for doing so.

Our kids spend the majority of their time at schools. Our future depends on our kids, all of our kids. We need to be able to send them out into the world armed with all of the skills, abilities, and tools possible. This requires safe and inclusivity learning spaces. I am so incredibly grateful

to have a government that is so dedicated to creating and maintaining these spaces. Some of our kids lives depend on it. – Lindsay Peace

School Trustee Candidate Pledge

For many Albertans creating safe and inclusive spaces in Alberta schools is a very important issue that will inform how they will cast their vote when voting in the upcoming school board elections. A key component to this decision is how local trustee candidates support human rights, GSA(Gay Straight Alliances) and how they respect the confidentiality of students. For many Albertans protecting these things are non-negotiable.

We are asking that trustee candidates take this pledge to state publicly that they support safe, caring, and inclusive school environments that respect and protect LGBTQ2 youth. Those trustee candidates that take the pledge will have their name published here on our website so that citizens can see for themselves which local candidates are committed to Alberta children by protecting their privacy and upholding their human rights.

Please share this pledge with all your local school board trustee candidates. Candidates can agree to this pledge by emailing us their details (name, school board, city, ward/zone) info@supportourstudents.ca  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

*Please note signing this pledge is strictly about confirming for Alberta voters a commitment by trustee candidates to the points listed in pledge below, and is not an indication of support for SOS Alberta initiatives.

List of Candidates Who’ve Pledged