The sky did not fall in.
There were maybe 30 or so kids out front of the high school at Innisfail Schools Campus, and about the same number at École Olds High School.
They were there to voice their concern with any intention by the new UCP provincial government to replace Bill 24, legislation from the former NDP government that prevents schools from notifying parents when their child joins a gay-straight alliance (GSA).
Most of all, the widely publicized provincewide student walkout was orderly and peaceful. The students’ message was clear, respectful and short. They were back to class in 20 minutes or so. Life went on.
The issue of kids walking out of class over an issue that directly aims at them actually attracted more public interest than the GSA-UCP issue itself.
Last week’s Innisfail Province advance story on the May 3 walkout became a passionately discussed item on social media pages.
“It is amazing how many people think these children and teens are unable to think for themselves and should be told what they ‘should’ be doing when a lot of them will be graduating next year and will be expected to think and do for themselves over night,” opined Edmonton’s Felicia McComb on the Province Facebook page. “Children and teens are not stupid. They have the ability to think and make well informed choices.”
However, what really got my attention was a quote by Kurt Sacher, superintendent of schools for the Chinook’s Edge School Division, in the Province’s advance walkout story. Sacher, a brilliant academic and great all-around guy, had for this scribbler a surprising take on the issue immediately after saying he was not supportive of a walkout.
“I think that just disrupts the learning,” said Sacher.
I would disagree. Kids mobilizing out of concern for an issue many believe can have life and death consequence, and making the decision to be part of a peaceful 20-minute walkout to send their own message, is not only appropriate but an incredible opportunity to learn one of Canada’s most sacred rights first-hand, right up there with a teen’s first chance to legally vote.
Most, if not all, of these students took this walkout opportunity to exercise their fundamental rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically their right and freedom, under Section 2, of conscience, thought, belief, opinion and expression, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
There is no higher learning experience than this for every young student to experience.
You can bet Jason Kenney was not only listening to the message but was also impressed.
Johnnie Bachusky is the editor of the Innisfail Province.
