Protect Our Schools. Protect Religious Freedom.
Citizens Concerned With Bill 18
In December, the Manitoba Provincial Government introduced Bill 18. While the government says the Bill is about combating bullying it does much more than that. Portions of the Bill could require schools, including faith based independent schools, to act in ways that are against their values and beliefs.
Bill 18 requires schools to accommodate and promote student groups that have values and beliefs in direct contradiction to many faith based independent schools and in contradiction to the communities many public schools are located. The Bill also specifically grants legal protection to certain groups while excluding others from that same protection.
This should be a concern to all parents whether their children attend a public or an independent school. Community values should be respected and local initiatives should be allowed to ensure all students have a safe and welcoming learning environment.
In particular, when parents and students choose an independent faith based school they do so specifically because it offers a certain school environment and set of values. Bill 18 erodes that choice by requiring these schools to accommodate and promote groups whose beliefs are in direct contradiction to the teachings of many independent faith based schools.
The Manitoba government should look for democratic and inclusive ways to combat bullying. Forcing public and faith based independent schools to act against their beliefs and their community values is not the way to combat bullying.
Let your Government know you are concerned about Bill 18 and want our schools and religious freedom protected.
Fill out the form below to send an email expressing your concern to:
- MB Premier Greg Selinger
- Education Minister Nancy Allan
- Opposition Leader Brian Pallister
- Your MLA (select below)
The following email will be sent on your behalf:
“I do not support Bill 18. While it is important to combat bullying, the Bill will force some public and independent schools to act in ways that are against their community values and religious beliefs. There are better ways to reduce bullying. Please protect our schools and religious freedoms and do not pass Bill 18 as written.”