Assumptions are powerful.

When we accept an assumption as true, then we easily buy into the conclusion.

But what if the assumption is wrong?

Here is an assumption to consider:  Bill 10 and the sexual orientation and gender identity policies being implemented in schools across Alberta are all about protection of a very vulnerable population. They’re about human rights, equality, protection, inclusion and respect for diversity.

Laudable goals, indeed.

If we accept this assumption as true then it is easy to buy into the conclusion – the conclusion that any dissenting voices are against inclusion, respecting diversity, LGBTQ, equality, etc. and that those people should justifiably be labeled.

But what if that fundamental assumption is flawed?

What if it’s not about all those things, but about something else entirely?

I’m going to suggest it is about something else.  Because as a teacher, a parent, a citizen and a reasonable, rational…

For far too long we have allowed one perspective to dominate the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation policies and legislation in our schools.

We continue to be told by our elected officials and through the media that these policies will save lives and protect our most vulnerable youth.

But please consider the bigger picture for a moment.

We know from watching many other places in the world that there is a strikingly methodical and predictable pattern: legislation and school policies implemented under the claims of “protection”, “inclusion”, “equal rights” and “anti-bullying”, and then the introduction of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) resources into classrooms.

We have seen it play out in Ontario, across the United States, in Australia, across Europe and elsewhere.

Why such an aggressive campaign locally, nationally and internationally to legislate a removal of parental involvement in our schools, followed by imposing specific sexuality materials onto children, even…

There are many reasons I take issue with the editorial written recently in the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) News.  Last week I wrote about some of my concerns and today I will address two more, one questioning Jonathan Teghtmeyer’s source of information and another focused on his claims regarding parental notification.

Mr. Teghtmeyer, the ATA News Editor-in-Chief, refers to the Calgary Sexual Health Centre’s website understandingtheguidelines.ca in order to dispel “myths”.  This site is often referred to by those who promote Alberta Education’s Guidelines document.

However, is the Calgary Sexual Health Centre really the best authority to provide so-called “accurate” information on this topic?

Interestingly, Calgary Sexual Health Centre has significant links to Planned Parenthood, an organization in the United States which is:

1. rapidly expanding their paid services to include providing hormone therapy for transgender people
2. becoming increasingly allied with LGBTQ lobby groups.
3. part of IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation)…