With the 2017-18 school year now underway across Alberta, students will be settling in to their new classrooms and starting their new lessons.
A yearly ritual in schools everywhere, the beginning of the new school year is in many ways a sign of the optimism and confidence that make Alberta great.
Students, teachers and staff are once again joining together to build a great future for this province and this county.
Minister of Education David Eggen joined other stakeholders last week in welcoming new and continuing students to the new school year.
At the same time, Eggen sent an open letter to school boards across the province asking for student, teacher and staff help in combating racism and bigotry.
In his letter, Eggen rightly tells students that they have an important role to play in making sure Alberta remains a welcoming place for everyone.
“I need your help and support in our government's ongoing work to combat racism and promote diversity in our schools,” said Eggen.
“We have seen examples where individuals want to promote hate and try to disrupt the very social fabric that makes Alberta a great place to live and raise a family.”
Eggen is specifically calling on students to work with administrators to “set up an assembly or school celebration where you can stand next to your classmates and celebrate inclusivity.”
He is also calling on teachers and administrators to consider inviting members from various communities to lead discussions with students.
“We must work together towards a common goal of ending racism,” he said. “Racism and bigotry have no place in Alberta. We must confront it head-on and work together to combat it.
“We will overcome hatred and we will replace our fears with hope. In doing so, we will make life better for Albertans.”
Eggen is right to call on young people to lead the fight against intolerance.
Students across the province are encouraged to take up that challenge and lead Alberta proudly forward.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
