Alberta’s Schools Face Ideological Battles Beyond Book Bans

Education in Alberta is at the heart of a significant ideological conflict, with recent government policies raising concerns about the influence of organized conservative groups on school curricula. Under the leadership of Premier Danielle Smith, the Alberta government has introduced restrictions on student pronouns, sex education content, sports team participation, and the availability of certain books in school libraries. This movement has sparked a heated debate about who truly represents the interests of students and families.

A report from the Parkland Institute, a non-partisan research organization based at the University of Alberta, highlights the increasing politicization of education in the province. The report identifies influential groups, such as the Christian nationalist-affiliated Action4Canada and the far-right Take Back Alberta, as key players in shaping educational policies. These groups have sought to impose their ideological views on what children should learn and experience in schools, reflecting a broader trend seen in the United States concerning children’s literature and school sports.

While the impact of these policies on LGBTQ2S+ youth has gained notable attention, experts warn that the ultimate goal extends beyond this group. Heather Ganshorn, the report’s author, emphasizes that the movement embodies a push towards social conservatism and school privatization, stating, “It’s not just about transgender people. They want to take over politics. They want to take over education.” Ganshorn, who is also a parent of two children in the Alberta public school system, serves as the research director for Support Our Students Alberta, an organization advocating for inclusive public education.

The recent controversy surrounding school libraries exemplifies this ideological struggle. In May 2023, the province proposed regulations prohibiting books deemed inappropriate due to sexually explicit content. Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s education minister, claimed these changes were prompted by conversations with concerned parents. However, investigations by the Investigative Journalism Foundation revealed that the list of targeted books originated from conservative activist groups, including Parents for Choice in Education and Action4Canada. Notably, three of the four highlighted books were specifically LGBTQ2S+ graphic novels aimed at young audiences.

In response to public backlash, the policy was amended to ban only those titles with “explicit visual depictions of a sexual act.” While this adjustment protects works by renowned authors like Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou, graphic novels such as Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home remain at risk of removal.

Ganshorn raises concerns about the increasing involvement of outside advocacy groups in Alberta’s education policy, questioning their motivations when many, like John Hilton-O’Brien, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education, have no children in the school system. She argues that their interest in education stems from viewing it as a vehicle for socialization rather than genuine parental concern.

Support for these policies has been echoed by conservative politicians, with a notable precedent set by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who stated in a 2016 interview that the school system “hard-wired” identity politics into students’ minds. This rhetoric underscores a broader strategy among conservative groups to reshape educational content and norms.

The push for conservative educational reforms has gained momentum across Canada, with many groups opting for direct action rather than traditional advocacy. Following the announcement of the book ban, Parents for Choice in Education took credit for its introduction, highlighting their close relationship with government officials. Similarly, Action4Canada expressed gratitude to Nicolaides for his engagement in discussions that led to the policy’s formulation.

Freedom of information requests by the Investigative Journalism Foundation uncovered that Alberta officials utilized a list of targeted books linked to the American group Moms for Liberty, which has been classified as an extremist organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center. This group has gained notoriety for its aggressive campaigns against educational content it deems inappropriate.

This pattern mirrors earlier incidents in Saskatchewan, where Premier Scott Moe claimed consultation with “concerned parents” led to restrictive pronoun policies in schools. When pressed for details about parental feedback, Moe was unable to provide specific examples, raising questions about the authenticity of these claims.

The influence of Action4Canada extends beyond Alberta, as its founder, Tanya Gaw, has celebrated the passing of similar policies in Saskatchewan, asserting that over 10,000 messages were sent to provincial officials in support of these initiatives. Gaw has provocatively asserted that “there is no such thing as a trans child,” further polarizing the discussion around gender identity in educational settings.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has noted Action4Canada’s connections to various hate-affiliated movements, including those opposing vaccinations and other LGBTQ2S+ initiatives. Gaw’s framing of the current educational discourse as a “spiritual battle of good versus evil” emphasizes the group’s ideological motivations.

Despite the extremist nature of these groups, many grassroots supporters engage with the movement through social media and form letters to political representatives. Hazel Woodrow, education program manager for the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, likens the group’s operations to a multi-level marketing scheme, with misinformation being disseminated and amplified through social media channels.

As Alberta approaches the school board elections scheduled for October 20, 2023, Ganshorn warns that the influence of organizations like Take Back Alberta is poised to expand. The group has announced plans to provide training for candidates who align with their anti-LGBTQ2S+ messaging, indicating a concerted effort to reshape local education policies.

The implications of these developments extend beyond Alberta, reflecting a broader cultural and ideological battle over educational content and the values imparted to future generations. Ganshorn’s cautionary tone underscores the seriousness of this situation, asserting that dismissing these groups as fringe ignores their significant impact on the political landscape.

This article has been produced in collaboration with Xtra Magazine, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play within Alberta’s education system. As the province navigates these turbulent waters, the outcomes of upcoming elections could profoundly shape the future of education in Alberta and beyond.