The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Responding to incidents of protests at several schools in recent days, Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling is calling upon the Premier and the Minister of Education to urgently and unequivocally assert that the province’s schools should be strictly out of bounds for protests.

“Premier Kenney and Minister LaGrange must state clearly and publicly that conducting these protests at schools is unacceptable. While we recognize the right to peaceful and orderly assembly, protests against government policy should take place in more appropriate places and be directed towards those making the decisions.”

—Jason Schilling, ATA President

Schilling noted that teachers have reported to him instances where protesters entered schools, shouting, banging on lockers and forcing lockdowns, actions that are disruptive and traumatizing for students and staff. Sensationalized and inaccurate coverage of incidents and mischaracterizations of reasonable efforts of school staff to uphold provincial law and board policy risks further fanning the flames.

“This is not about the particular issues of concern to these particular protesters. It is about ensuring that schools are safe and caring places for all students, recognizing that for some, the school is the only safe space they have. Teachers too, like all other workers, have the right to a safe workplace.”  

—Jason Schilling, ATA President

 Referencing the Education Act, Schilling pointed out that it is illegal for any person to “disturb or interrupt the proceeding of a school” or to “conduct themselves in a manner detrimental to the safe operations of a school.” He further pointed out that parents and school boards have legislated responsibilities to contribute to creating “a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment.”

“The very least the Premier and this Minister can do is to state their support for and take necessary steps to uphold the law of the province in the face of those who would break it without consideration of those whom they may be harming. I’m just asking them to do their job.”

—Jason Schilling, ATA President

The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, safeguards standards of professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 46,000 members.

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Backgrounder

Selections from the Education Act:

Parent responsibilities

32 A parent has the prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be provided to the parent’s child, and as a partner in education, has the responsibility to

(a) act as the primary guide and decision-maker with respect to the child’s education,

(b) take an active role in the child’s educational success, including assisting the child in complying with section 31,

(c) ensure that the child attends school regularly,

(d) ensure that the parent’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment,

Board responsibilities

33(1) A board, as a partner in education, has the responsibility to

(d) ensure that each student enrolled in a school operated by the board and each staff member employed by the board is provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging,

Prohibited activities

256 No person shall

(a) disturb or interrupt the proceedings of a school,

(b) disturb or interrupt the proceedings of a school meeting or board meeting,

(c) loiter or trespass in a school building or on property owned by a board, or

(d) conduct themselves in a manner detrimental to the safe operations of a school.